How to choose the right sunscreen? First, by choosing an index of protection (SPF) adapted to its phototype : thus, a person with a phototype 1 (very pale skin, blond or red hair, freckles, skin which reddens quickly in the sun and which never tans) will imperatively opt for a sunscreen SPF 50 and more, while ‘a person with a phototype 5 (dark skin, black hair, skin that tans a lot and rarely burns) can be satisfied with a sunscreen SPF 15.
But today, you have to take into account a second criterion when choosing your sunscreen:environmental impact. Indeed, the sun filters contained in sunscreens are not without danger for the marine environment: benzophenone-3 and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, for example, accelerate the destruction of corals, while zinc oxide (however “organic”!) is toxic to aquatic flora and fauna.
A sunscreen that protects the skin against UV rays … and the environment!
the UFC magazine Que Choisir (on newsstands this June 25, 2020) offers a selection of sunscreens that protect both against the skin against UV rays … and the aquatic environment!
To develop this classification, a specialized laboratory studied 20 sunscreens according to 5 criteria: the endocrine disrupting effect on the environment, acute and chronic toxicity on fish, algae and daphnia (these are small water crustaceans soft), risk to corals, biodegradability and bioaccumulation (understand: accumulating in organisms rather than being eliminated).
Verdict? According to UFC Que Choisir, the two best sunscreens for health and the planet are the Waterlover solar milk from Biotherm (37 euros for 200 mL) and the Sun protection spray from Cattier (18 euros for 125 mL).
The first protects against both UVB and UVA, and displays the “Nordic Swan Ecolabel” which guarantees zero ecotoxicity for organisms that live in salt water and in fresh water. Although it contains titanium dioxide, the second is organic and does not contain nanoparticles. The rest of the ranking can be found in the magazine!
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Organic sunscreens, not the best for children
Homemade sunscreens do not protect effectively
Good reasons to use an after-sun