Safest sunscreens

Is your favorite sunscreen safe? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigated nearly 1,000 sunscreens and determined 4 out of 5 sunscreens provide inadequate protection or contain ingredients with safety concerns. Surprisingly, EWG named Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena as the worst offenders -- fewer than five percent of their products are recommended as safe and effective.

EWG recommends you purchase sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and at least seven percent zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. AVOID oxybenzone or benzophenone-3, spray or powder sunscreens (inhalation hazard), added fragrance, and sunscreen with bug repellent (you might absorb too much pesticide). Another tip, apply bug repellent 15 minutes after sunscreen to cut down on pesticide soaking through the skin.

Here are EWG's Top 10 Sunscreens:

• Blue Lizard (anything without oxybenzone)
• California Baby (SPF 30 or more)
• CVS with zinc oxide
• Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock
• Kiss My Face "Paraben" free series
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock
• Olay Defense Daily UV Moisturizer (with zinc)
• SkinCeutical Physical UV Defense
• Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face
• Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose & Ears

Happy 4th of July!