Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its 12th annual Guide to Sunscreens, which lists the safest and most effective SPF formulas on the market.
So, what’s the group’s criteria? There are a number of things EWG looks for as it puts together the guide. Each tested sunscreen is rated on a scale of 1-10 and only sunscreens that get a 1 or 2 make the final cut. Some of the biggest no-nos include potentially harmful ingredients like oxybenzone (a hormone-disrupting ingredient that also contributes to coral bleaching) and retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A that increases sun sensitivity). EWG also advises against using spray sunscreens since they often don’t offer even protection and pose inhalation risks, as well as SPF values higher than 50+ because they offer users a false sense of security.
Less than a third of the sunscreens tested meet the guide’s high standards but there are still plenty to choose from. Read on for a few of the EWG Sunscreen Guide’s top picks. But while you’re at it, remember that sunscreen shouldn’t be your only measure of protection; the EWG also recommends covering up with clothing and hats (and sunglasses to protect your eyes), as well as limiting time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
[ Next: What Exactly Is Natural Sunscreen? (Plus, 8 of Our Favorites) ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
EWG Sunscreens
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Coola
Mineral Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $26 at Sephora
This face sunscreen offers water-resistant mineral coverage in an easy-to-use stick form, which makes it perfect for on the go.
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Drunk Elephant
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $36 at Sephora
With its keen standards for "clean beauty," Drunk Elephant is a reliable destination for skin-safe products. As such, it's no surprise that this lightly tinted sunscreen made the EWG's cut with its physical, broad-spectrum protection.
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Neutrogena
SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50, $12.99 at Ulta
This sunscreen's thick, zinc-heavy formula might feel intimidating at first, but it absorbs nicely into the skin while offering some serious broad-spectrum coverage.
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Biossance
Squalane + Mineral SPF 45, $39 at Sephora
Biossance is founded on principles of environmentally safe, sustainable clean beauty and its new sunscreen does that and more. Packed with hydrating squalane, it protects while creating a lovely, luminous base that primes the skin perfectly for makeup application.
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Pacifica
Body Butter Coconut SPF 50, $13.99 at Target
Looking for a little extra color with your SPF? (Heck, you might need it if you're following the EWG's suggestion to stay indoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) This coconut-scented body butter offers both a bronzy glow and SPF 50 mineral protection.
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Kiehl's
Super Fluid Daily UV Mineral Defense, $38 at Nordstrom
This hardworking sunscreen has a light texture that makes it so easy to apply and wear — it's the kind of formula you forget you're wearing, even though it has major mineral SPF.
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Cetaphil
Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer, $14.49 at Ulta
Don't sleep on Cetaphil: Its recent skin care launches (including this affordable tinted moisturizer) have been nothing to sneeze at. This product offers light coverage with SPF 20 protection and we love that it's formulated for sensitive skin.
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Aveeno
Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 50, $10.89 at Target
Don't leave the little ones out! The EWG has a specially curated list of kid and baby-safe sunscreens and this affordable, sensitive skin-safe Aveeno option is definitely worth checking out.
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La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV SPF 30, $19.99 at Ulta
In addition to its broad-spectrum protection, this multitasking moisturizer also employs a prebiotic complex that helps guard your skin barrier (and, as we know, keeping that skin barrier strong is important).
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Alba Botanica
Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $6.85 at Walmart
This UVA/UVB mineral sunscreen is water resistant and hydrating, and since it's fragrance-free, it's good for sensitive skin. Win-win-win!