I’ve been a bit obsessed with sunscreens lately. I think it has to do a bit with the Rx retinols I am using for my face as well as summer time outside with the kids. My kids are always lathered up, but they are still getting tan. Yes, we have olive skin , but I always worry about their protection.

I’ve been so confused by all the chemical sunscreens and what is the best. I feel pretty good from my research that physical blocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are key to the best protection, but what is all the rest of the stuff for?

Well, I recently was directed to this link from the cosmetics database, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/index.php

According to their research and report, “More than a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, but FDA still hasn't finalized sunscreen standards first announced 30 years ago.”

I just wanted to share in case you were interested in what they had to say as well as check out how your current sunscreen rates. Below I have a list of their top ten recommende products as well as 10 products that are good and won’t break the bank. Hope this helps some make an informed decision about their sunscreen.

TOP 10 PRODUCTS*

1 Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30
2 Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
3 California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
4 Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
5 Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum
6 Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
7 Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35
8 UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
9 Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30
10 Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

RECOMMENDED COMMON BRANDS

1 Blue Lizard anything without oxybenzone
2 California Baby anything with SPF 30
3 CVS with zinc oxide
4 Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock
5 Kiss My Face "Paraben Free" series
6 Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock
7 Olay Defense Daily UV Moisturizer (with zinc)
8 SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense
9 Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face
10 Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears

They have a lot of great information on their site in general about sunscreens as well as individual product information. I am currently on the hunt for blue lizard since I've read other blogs really rating it highly- even for kids.