EWG Releases 2012 Sunscreen Guide and App

After rating 257 brands and more than 1,800 products, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its sixth annual Guide to Summer Sun. EWG recommends 1 in 4 of more than 800 beach and sport sunscreens, compared to 1 in 5 last year and 1 in 12 in 2010. Its results are also available in a free phone app, providing sun safety tips and a “find your sunscreen” database. The EWG recommends consumers look for active ingredients of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mexoryl SX, or avobenzone (3%); SPF 15 to 50; and lotions, not sprays or powders. While EWG's guidance may not align with all dermatologists' recommendations all the time, some (along with their patients) may find the tips valuable in the sunscreen search this summer.