Consumer Reports names top sunscreens
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Among 12 sunscreens tested, four spray-on sunscreens provided the best protection from UVA and UVB rays, says Consumer Reports, which is owned by independent non-profit organization Consumers Union. Consumer Reports Health named Target brand Up & Up Sport Continuous SPF 30, Walgreens Sport Continuous SPF 50, Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous SPF 30 and Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 50 the top sunscreen performers on the market. Consumer Reports assessed how well sunscreen products blocked UVA and UVB rays and how they "lived up to their claimed sun protection factor," in addition to evaluating how the sunscreens smelled, felt and absorbed into skin. Counter to the report's positive assessment of spray-on sunscreens, The Environmental Working Group's annual sunscreen report, released May 24, advises against use of spray-on sunscreens and recommends only 8% of 500 sunscreens tested (see related story,1 "EWG Advises Against Vitamin A Compound, More Than 90% Of Sunscreens")