Dear Liddell Reader

A group that Liddell Laboratories supports, Environmental Working Group, has just finished scientific testing of 783 sunscreens. The results: 84% of these sunscreens offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.

Find out what's safest and most effective for you, and especially for your kids' delicate skin. Click here to see a list of the best 123 sunscreens that offer very good sun protection, with ingredients that present minimal health risks. Then go have fun in the sun!

Note: I was very surprised to learn that brands I trust made some sunscreens that were on the best list and some that were on the worst (most toxic) list. So, choosing by brand can be risky. Please look for your exact sunscreen on the searchable data base (see below).

For a list of the worst sunscreens, Click here.

For a searchable data base of all 783 tested sunscreens, Click here.

Here are some interesting facts about sunscreens that I was unaware of:

There are no federal sunscreen safety standards in the U.S. SPF ratings only cover UVB rays, which cause burns, but not UVA rays, which raise skin cancer risk. SPF 50 sunscreens provide just 1.3% more protection from UVB rays than SPF 30 sunscreens. It is more important, therefore, to apply sunscreen generously than it is to seek out products with ultra-high SPF ratings. SPF numbers refer only to the ability to protect from UVB rays — they tell you nothing about cancer-causing UVA’s. Most sunscreens do not provide instant protection, contrary to many product claims. To be safe, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before exposure, and at least every 2 hours thereafter. Check your skin for spots and changes, and remember that natural tone (not just tan) is beautiful. Examine your skin for changes, lesions, and spots regularly. Be extra careful if you have freckles, moles, take certain medications (such as some antibiotics), or have a family history of skin cancer.

To be safe, Liddell recommends that you start with a sunscreen from our "best" list above. Make sure the SPF is 15 or higher. Buy new sunscreen every year.

Kind regards,
Randy Powers
President, Liddell Laboratories