Sunscreens
As for so many things related to personal care products, I turned to the Environmental Working Group to find their recommendations. If you are not yet familiar with the EWG and their invalable, exhaustive research into the chemicals found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and so much more, please check them out!
Here is the EWG’s recent pronouncement on sunscreens: “In a new investigation of 952 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Leading brands were the worst offenders: None of market leader Coppertone’s 41 sunscreen products met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, and only 1 of 103 products from Banana Boat and Neutrogena, the second- and third-largest manufacturers, are recommended by EWG.”
Alright, so who did the EWG recommend for efficacy and safety? Brands you probably have not heard of! California Baby products fared very well with its sunblock sticks. Lavera sunscreen with SPF 40+ also scored high. Badger Balm sunscreens, Vanicream, Soleo Organics, and Sun Science Sport Formula were also at the top of the list. To see the rest of the recommended list, click here.
On the other side of the scale, the worst of the worst were Iman Time Control, Rachel Perry Oil Free Moisturizer, Skin Simple, Australian Gold, St. Ives, Dermalogica, Alba Hawaiian, Elizabeth Arden, and many many more. To find out where your sunscreen ranks, just click on the link above and search by brand.
Bug Repellants
Most big-name commercial bug repellants contain DEET, or N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. While DEET is quite effective against critters, DEET has been found to have negative cognitive impacts in animal studies. It also causes skin rashes and irritation in many humans. DEET is especially dangerous for small children and should not be used on infants.
Fortunately there are a number of safe alternatives! Essential oils from plant like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and cedar are all good bug repellants. Again, California Baby makes some very safe bug sprays, as does Badger Balm (both noted above in the sunscreen category as well). Aubrey Organics has a product titled GONE! You can also check out Repel Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent. According to Repel, the product has proved effective against mosquitoes, deer ticks and other insects for up to six hours.
What have you tried that has worked for you? And have a safe, fun summer!
-Article sourced from here-
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