Sunscreen Showdown: Ingredient Deep Dive

It’s summertime! Whether you get to travel on vacation or enjoy a staycation this summer, almost all of us will need to remember to pack sunscreen in our suitcase or tote bag to protect us from sunburn during this especially hot and high-UV time of the year. 

As you start preparing for your outdoor adventures this summer, remember to be mindful about the sunscreen that you purchase. Sunscreen ingredients can impact both our bodies and our environment, so it is important to choose one that has a lower impact and less harmful ingredients. 

The UV rays emitted from the sun have 3 forms: UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Due to the ozone layer, the UVC rays don’t reach the earth’s surface, although there are artificial sources of UVC radiation. UVA and UVB rays are the ones that affect us when we are enjoying time outside – UVA rays can reach the middle layer of our skin (may cause skin aging), and UVB rays reach the outer layer of the skin (may cause skin cancer and most sunburns). Sunscreen can help protect you from both UVA and UVB rays and prevent you from getting sunburns, sun poisoning, and skin cancer.

The active ingredients in sunscreen work to protect you from the sun, while the inactive ingredients in sunscreen have other formula functions, such as binding agents and moisturizers. Like all products, be familiar with the ingredients and pay attention to how your skin reacts. This makes it easier to find what works best for you, and that is different for everyone!

We find it helpful to review EWG's Skin Deep ratings for products we use on our skin, like cosmetics, soaps, and sunscreens. EWG (Environmental Working Group) is an organization dedicated to empowering people through research, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products, foods, and drinks they use and consume. The organization rates products and ingredients on a scale of 1 (best) to 10 (worst), and we have compiled these ratings below for a popular conventional sunscreen, Banana Boat Sport SPF 50, and our new favorite sunscreen, All Good Untinted SPF 50 and All Good Tinted SPF 50. A big thanks to Daria Baker for all her research and writing on these ingredient comparisons! 

Banana Boat Sport 50 SPF Sunscreen

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 6.5%

Other Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl Monostearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Packaging and end of life: Plastic tube and lid that can be recycled

All Good Untinted SPF 50 Sunscreen

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25% (Non-nanoparticle)

Inactive Ingredients: Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flowers infused in Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Packaging and end of life: 1 oz. metal tin that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled

All Good Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25% (Non-nanoparticle)

Inactive Ingredients: Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Organic Calendula Officinalis Flowers* infused in Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Octyldodecanol, Trihydroxystearin, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Yellow Iron Oxide.

*Certified organic ingredients

Packaging and end of life: 1 oz. metal tin that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled

To find out how your favorite sunscreen ranks on the EWG’s list, check out the EWG Guide to Sunscreen. Everyone’s skin is different, and choosing the right sunscreen is up to you! The most important thing is to protect your skin while you are out in the sun. Happy summer, everyone!