The UV-protective properties of sunscreens are determined by their active ingredients. Only 17 chemicals have been approved by FDA as active ingredients in sunscreen. The efficacy of any sunscreen depends on the amount of each active ingredient, and the stability of the chemical mixture on its own and under UV radiation. In addition, some sunscreen makers skirt the rules by including chemicals approved in other countries but not in the U.S., and not labeling them "active ingredients."
We reviewed the scientific literature and government assessments for common sunscreen chemicals' efficacy and toxicity. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known as "mineral sunscreens" or "physical blockers" since they reflect and scatter UV rays. The other actives are called "chemical blockers" because they absorb and disperse UV rays.
Studies show that unlike other common sunscreen chemicals, little to no zinc and titanium absorb through the skin, and they provide stable UVA protection relative to the other ingredients. For these reasons many zinc and titanium-based sunscreens appear at the top of our recommended product lists. However, zinc and titanium in spray or powder sunscreens are not recommended, since inhalation of zinc and titanium particles is a concern.
Chemical sunscreens vary widely in terms of the type of UV rays they block, their stability and toxicity concerns. One active, oxybenzone, is widely used but rates poorly on our index due to high absorption through skin, high rates of allergic reactions, and growing concerns about hormone disruption. You can learn more about individual active ingredients below. Compare their UV-blocking spectra to see which chemicals are better at UVA and UVB protection.
When choosing a sunscreen, however, it's best to check the overall rating for specific products. Our product ratings take into account overall UV protection (UVA and UVB) as well as the rate at which sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun; both of these factors depend on the particular combinations and amounts of active ingredients in each product. We also summarize the known and suspected hazards of all listed ingredients found in each products under our health hazard score.
Sunscreens: Some of the Worst Offenders
Listed from Most Hazardous
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Banana Boat Kid's Tear Free Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (9)
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Coppertone Kid's Lotion Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Joesoef Moisturizing Lotion, for All Skin Types, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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No-Ad Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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No-Ad Sport Ultra Block Lotion, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Australian Gold Australian Essentials Daily UV Protection Cool Mist Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Walgreens Sport Sunblock Continuous Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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No-Ad Ultra Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Sport Lotion Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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CVS Sport Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Sport Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Teeka Tan Moisturizing Sunscreen Sport, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Preffered Plus Products Sunblock Baby Lotion, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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No-Ad Kid's Sunblock Waterproof, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Murad Perfecting Day Cream, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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CVS Sport Sunblock Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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CVS Sport Sunblock Continuous Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Skin Effects Preventing Effects Redness Control Daily UV Moisturizer, SPF 30+ UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Sport Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Age-Defying Solar Care Body SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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MD Formulations Sun Protector 30 Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Eidon California Gold Sunblock, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Kid's Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Sport Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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MD Skincare Sunscreen Pads with Vitamin C, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Kiss My Face Sunblock Spray, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Solange Sun Defense Moisturizer, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Coppertone Water BABIES Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Kids, SPF 30+ UV Protection (30+), Health Hazard Score (8)
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Rocky Mountain Sunscreen High Activity, SPF 30+ UV Protection (30+), Health Hazard Score (8)
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No-Ad Babies Sunblock Lotion, SPF 45 UV Protection (45), Health Hazard Score (7)
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Dermaquest Skin Therapy Solar Moisturizer, SPF 30 UV Protection (30), Health Hazard Score (7)