Sunscreen: Choose one without unwanted chemicals

Sunscreen is an important supplement to shade and protective clothing when you need to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Fortunately, there are many good choices to choose from in our new test of sunscreens. 15 out of 35 products in the test get an A-rating. These products are without unwanted chemicals.

One in three sunscreens contains suspected endocrine disrupters

You can also find sunscreens that contain a range of unwanted chemicals.

In the test, 12 sunscreens get the lowest chemical grade, the C-rating. These products contain suspected endocrine disrupters.

Some of these chemicals are listed on the Danish Envorinmental Agency’s – and other authorities – list of endocrine dirsupters.

One suncreen in the test gets the C-rating, because it contains an environmentally damaging sun filter.

The cocktail-effect is problematic – not the individual sunscreen

Endocrine disrupters can be problematic in products due to the so-called cocktail-effect.

The cocktail-effect is a term for the exposure to problematic chemicals from different sources in your everyday life. The combined exposure from these products can pose a health risk.

As a product, sunscreen is safe and an important part of your sun protection. However, in general it is a good idea to reduce your combined exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals when you can. A good advice would be to choose a sunscreen without these problematic chemicals.

Sunscreens ability to protect from the sun is not tested

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals' test is a declaration test.

Our test team have examined the list of ingredients on the sunscreens for suspected endocrine disrupters, allergenic substances or environmentally damaging chemicals.

The sunscreens ability to protect against UVA or UVB rays is tested in laboratories by The Danish Consumer Council THINK. To see this test you have to be a member or log in.

8 tips for better sun protection

• Avoid the sun between 12 and 15 o’clock when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Shade, clothes and a sunhat are great ways to protect your skin without problematic chemicals.
• Children are particularly exposed to the sun. Children younger than 1 year of age should be kept in the shade. Older children should also use other sun protection than sunscreen.
• Use the right sun factor. A minimum of 15 SPF in Denmark and a minimum of 30 SPF in countries where the sun’s rays are stronger. Also, remember to use a higher SPF if you are near the sea.
• Use a handful of sunscreen, apply it thoroughly and multiple times to get enough sun protection.
• Apply sunscreen often – especially if you tend to sweat, if you bath a lot or dry of the lotion with a towel.
• Are you in an urgent need of sun lotion? In this case, we recommend that you use a sunscreen with unwanted chemicals rather than getting sun burned.
• Use the app Kemiluppen and check your sunscreen for unwanted chemicals. The app is only available in Denmark.