Apr

13

SafeMama’s 2009 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Eco-Mama, paraben free, Phthalates Info, Skin Care, Toy Safety | Comments Off

Pin It

    sunscreen

    Please visit our updated 2010 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet for more brand recommendations!

    It was high time to redo last year’s Safer Sunscreen Showdown.. spring is here and summer is around the corner!  So here’s the scoop:

    SafeMama™ Sunscreen Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, propylene glycol, SLS, dioxanes, and synthetic fragrances. Another ingredient we watch out for is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone.  Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful.  Below are our selections of safer natural sunscreens that use mineral (or sometimes referred to a physical) sunscreen which is typically Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or any combination of those two.

    A note about the Skin Deep ratings. Their ratings are a good start, but take them with a grain of salt.   They have a big job over there and sometimes formulas change and their information gets a little outdated.  Which is why we stress learning to read the labels!  Concerning sunscreen, the EWG’s Skin Deep published a sunscreen guide last year and while we generally respect the research and efforts of EWG, we don’t agree 100% with their top picks.  For example the top choice on their Top 10 list is Blue Lizard without oxybenzone, but all Blue Lizard products contain multiple parabens, Propylene Glycol and PEG’s not to mention the giant list of chemical ingredients on every label.  So, again… read labels and don’t just take anyone’s word for it.

    * A note about Micronized and Nano:  This is a controversial topic and there have been many reports that micronized vs. nano particles of titanium or zinc oxide have the ability to pass through the skin more easily (which is why they aren’t as white as others). There is also a concern that nano titanium/zinc dioxide particles have higher photo-reactivity than coarser particles and may generate free radicals that can cause cell damage. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by coating the particles to prevent free radical formation.  We have listed the exact active ingredient in each sunscreen for a reason.  So you as a consumer can decide which is right for you.  We will continue to investigate these materials further and share with you our findings.  We are comfortable recommending sunscreens with Micronized zinc or titanium (most natural sunscreens ARE). NANO zinc or titanium is something we feel should be avoided if possible.

    These are NOT in order of recommendation… this is a random list.

    Badger All Natural Sunscreen for Face & Body (SafeMama’s Top Pick)

    badger30Protection: SPF 30+ / SPF 15
    Active Ingredient: Micronized Zinc Oxide 20.5% (read this)
    Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) SPF 15: 2 (last updated 03/07)

    Price: ~ $14.00
    Reviews: Kathy says, “I had heard Badger sunscreen was like spreading toothpaste, but I’ve got to say that totally isn’t the case at all.  Goes on thick (like any natural sunscreen) but spreads pretty easily, doesn’t have an overpowering smell and really protects nicely.  One of my new favorites!  Badger says its naturally water resistant and I’d have to agree.  One of the few that are 100% chemical free.” Read our full review here!

    Notes: For extra protection, choose Badger Lip Balm SPF 15 – safe for you and the kids.

    Mama Rose’s Naturals Sunblocker All Natural Sunscreen

    sunblocker

    Protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
    Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (inquiring further information)
    Skin Deep Rating: N/A
    Price: ~ $15.00 – 18.00

    Notes: Seems to be chemical free, comes in an SPF 50 which is the highest natural sunscreen SPF we’ve seen.  Available online through the companies website.

    TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick

    trukidstick

    Protection: SPF 30+
    Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide 8%
    Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 3/08)
    Price: ~ $8.99
    Reviews: Kathy says “I carry one of these in my bag for those ‘oops I forgot’ moments or unexpected uses.  I rub a little on faces and cheeks for quick protection.  Makes getting tops of ears and noses easy too…stays on well.  ”

    Weleda Children’s Sun Screen

    weledaProtection: SPF 18
    Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 7.6%, Zinc Oxide 0.4%
    Skin Deep Rating: 4 (last updated 6/08)
    Price: ~ $14.00

    Reviews: Statia Says: “Neither of us has tried this sunscreen yet, however by the ingredients listed, we feel it makes the list and is considered one of the safer sunscreens out there.”

    JASON Cosmetics Chemical Free Sunblock (Sunbrella’s version too)

    jason1Protection: SPF 30+
    Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.0%), Zinc Oxide (2.5%)
    Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 12/08)
    Price: ~ $12.49

    Reviews: Kathy Says: “I really liked the way this goes on, and the scent is beachy, not chemical smelling.  It reminds me of old school Coppertone.  I use this on myself too.  Be careful when shopping for this one though.  JASON Cosmetics has several sunscreens available but only chemical free version is recommended by SafeMama.com”

    Soleo Organics Chemical Free Sunscreen

    soleoProtection: SPF 30
    Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.3%
    Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 03/08)
    Price: ~ $9 – $23.00

    Reviews: Coming Soon

    California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunscreen

    cababyProtection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 18)
    Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
    Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) Skin Deep Rating SPF 18:  2 (last updated 03/07)
    Price: ~ $17.99 – 19.99 No fragrance: $17.00 – 19.00 With Citronella: $19.00 – 25.00

    Reviews: Kathy Says: “CA Baby SPF 30 goes on thick and works well but it’s sticky.”

    Statia Says: “We have the bug blend and it goes on well, not as sticky, but it has a strong smell.”

    Variations: These come in a No Fragrance version and a Citronella version (which Kathy can never find)

    California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunblock Stick

    cababystickProtection: SPF 30+
    Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
    Skin Deep Rating: N/A
    Price: ~ $14.99

    Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen (w/ or w/o Hemp Seed Oil)

    burts2Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 15)
    Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.58%) (EWG claims it’s Nano Titanium Dioxide)
    Skin Deep Rating SPF 30:  3 (last updated 06/08) SPF 15:  3 (last updated 06/08)
    Price: ~ $9.99 – 11.00

    Reviews: Statia Says: “I wasn’t really that impressed with this stuff.  It was immediately cakey upon contact with the skin, and yet, I still felt  really sticky.  I felt gross all day.”

    Kathy says, “I made friends with the SPF 30 version… it is a little tough to get on but it protects like the rest.  It’s not my first choice, but it works.”

    Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

    erbavivaProtection: SPF 15
    Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
    Skin Deep Rating: N/A
    Price: ~ $26.00

    Reviews: Kathy says, ” This sunscreen blends in wonderfully and there is no over powering scent whatsoever – great for faces too.” Full review here.

    SuperGoop Dr. T’s Quickstick

    Protection: SPF 30
    Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 8%,  Zinc Oxide 5%
    Skin Deep Rating: N/A
    Price: ~ $9.00
    Important Editor’s Note:  This is the only SuperGoop product we feel comfortable recommending.  The other sunscreen’s and products they offer contain Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Padimate O, Propylene Glycol, PEG’s, and several parabens which of course are ingredients we adamantly avoid.  We listed the Quickstick as an option but if we had to choose, we’d opt to support companies who have made a commitment to safer skin care in general.

    Kabana Skin Care Green Screen

    greenscreenspf20Protection: SPF 20
    Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
    Skin Deep Rating: N/A
    Price: ~ $16.50 40z.
    Company Website: KabanaSkinCare.com

    Notes: Made from 8 edible-grade organic and natural ingredients and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide for protection.  This only has an SPF of 20 (also available in tinted SPF 22 and SPF 15) but it a great option as far as safe ingredients go.  We’re anxious to give it a try. Kathy says “I tried a sample of this and I love that its mostly natural, but it makes you look pretty white and powdery looking.  Does protect and isn’t greasy.”

    Notes: For extra protection, choose their Liplovers™ Natural Lip Balm with 10% Zinc Oxide sunscreen protection  – safe for you and the kids.

    Sunscreen Usage and Sun Tips

    Follow the directions on the sunscreen you use for proper sun protection. However, our motto is “everything in moderation”.  This means sun exposure too of course.  It’s ok to be out in the sun for 20 minutes without covering every square inch of your kid with SPF 80. Sun exposure is good for us, (Vitamin D!), and it’s been studied that people – especially kids -  with regular moderate time in the sun are healthier and may have less risk of developing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other auto-immune deficiencies.  But sunburns are not good, so choose a safe sunscreen and apply according to the directions for days when extended sun exposure is on the docket!

    When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure. No need to bake in the sun all day… keep cool and stay in the shade!  Investing in some SPF Protected clothing for the kids is a good idea too.  Reduces the need for so much sunscreen and can have a UVB protection of up to 50.  Snapper Rock makes great SPF Swimwear for kids.  We also like Baby Banz Sun Hats for baby and kids… they also have a wide brimmed bucket hat with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+.  The wide brim helps keep sun off kids faces.

    After Sun Soothers

    I got the idea to include these after a day at the beach on Easter Sunday (I know, I know… my mom already told me it was 30 degrees in New York, I swear I’m not trying to rub it in!) when we were in the sun for a particularly long day.  I sometimes use after sun lotions or balms to hydrate my skin.  A few I like:

    Badger Balm Bali Balm. We’ve never tried it but it’s an organic balm designed just for after sun exposure. Cocoa and Shea Butters, with Olive and Jojoba to make a soothing body balm good for after sun, or for dry skin. Has a tropical scent! made completely with natural and organic ingredients.. not a synthetic ingredient in the bunch. We love Badger!

    Burt’s Bees After Sun Lotion with Aloe, Linden Extract and nourishing Coconut Oil. This has a really fresh scent and feels great on hot skin.  I actually put this in the fridge before I leave so it’s extra cold.  Like with many of the Burt’s Bees products this isn’t 100% natural (or organic for that matter but it’s easy to find in stores.

    Enjoy the outdoors!  Be sure to check out our Safer Bug Repellent Report for safe choices to keep the buggies at bay.

    Download our Sunscreen Wallet Card for easy shopping!

    Apr

    23

    Safe Mama Review: Pit Putty

    Filed Under Green Mama, paraben free, Product Reviews, Skin Care | 7 Comments

    Pin It

      With everything going on in the news, I haven’t had much in the way of time to post a review, and generally, I’d say this is a good thing as news is what keeps us going around here, but this review is one that I’ve been been pretty excited about. I know you’re probably thinking: excited over deodorant? You need to get out more, Statia. And indeed I do, but that’s not going to stop me from being excited.

      Replacing all of my beloved beauty products has been a very arduous and painful process. For one, I LOVE product. At any given time, I was once known to have at least 11 tubes and/or tins of lip gloss in my handbag. Now that I’m trying to live a less chemical life, it’s been trial and error, and also a lot of money. One of the last things I tried to replace was my antiperspirant. For one, most of the natural deodorants that are out there, are just that, deodorant, not antiperspirant. I was kind of scared of that, since I sweat like my father (and that’s just not pretty). The other thing is that most of them were like rubbing honey on my armpits, which left me feeling sticky all day, on top of sweating.

      Enter Bubble and Bee Organics. I found Stephanie and Steve’s site while surfing around and I really don’t even know how I stumbled upon it, but I was really intrigued by Pit Putty. I slept on it, paced and took one long last hug of my icky chemically laden antiperspirant, before I bit the bullet and ordered it.

      Oh my sweet baby Jesus. I saw angels! And rainbows! And unicorns! I LOVE this deodorant. When I first put it on, it was really flaky, and I looked in the mirror at my black t-shirt, that was now covered in white stains, and I was disheartened, but then I realized that I didn’t need an entire stick. I backed off and used a small amount, rubbed it in, like the directions said and then headed off to spend a day out in the hot sun. I did sweat a little bit, but it wasn’t much and quite frankly, we’re supposed to sweat, but I did not stink. At all. I wanted to give it a good week to give it a fair chance. I still love it. It isn’t sticky in the slightest, and when you rub it in, there’s no residue left behind. And it smells great, kind of like chai.

      All of Bubble and Bee’s products are chemical free and organic. Everything smells so fresh and light. And Stephanie and Steve are so committed to making sure you’re happy, that they’ll go the extra mile to help you find a deodorant if you’re not satisfied.

      Now if only I can convince them to make it in 5 gallon drums….

      Update: There’s been a big response to Pit Putty both here and over at Bubble and Bee, which makes me happy. Stephanie has been generous enough to offer a coupon code. Simply enter the code “safemom” at checkout and save 15% off your order, over $35, which can also be combined with free shipping on all orders over $50. (offer expired, but check out the new offer over at LovelyMama valid until 11/1/08)They have several different deodorants to choose from. And if you’re not happy with it, they have an awesome deodorant guarantee policy.

      Apr

      11

      Baby Skin Care Products: A Quick Users Guide

      Filed Under paraben free, Phthalates Info, Product Safety, Skin Care | 7 Comments

      Pin It

        One of the things that we’ve been frustrated with, here at SafeMama, was what seemed like a lack of safe baby skin care products. Hence, the second version of the Paraben and Phthalate Free Bath Care Cheat Sheet. As we were searching we realized that there actually are a lot of really great products out there, and so we compiled as many of them as we could find, and put them all in one central location for our readers to peruse. A few things to note:

        1. Not every single product that’s out there, is going to be on this list. We’ve found tons of stuff, and have turned over many stones, but I’m sure there are some out there that we’ve missed. That said, if you’re using a product that’s safe, and it isn’t on here, please email us or comment and we’ll research the product add it to the list.

        2. If your product isn’t on here, it may be because it didn’t meet the requirements for this spreadsheet. All of the products listed on here are free of parabens, sodium laureth sulfates (SLS), phthalates, 1,4 dioxanes, propylene glycol, and PEG’s. The who? The what? We’ve outlined briefly what these are and why you might not want them in your child’s skin care in the glossary.

        3. Safety Rating: In addition to that, we crossed refrenced these products with EWG’s Cosmetic Safety Database and added the score to each product on the sheet. Not every product, unfortunately, is in the CSD, however, that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad product, but you’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not you feel comfortable using it.

        4. Not all products that are manufactured by these companies have been listed. We kept this simply listed to baby skin care, and products that a person might use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and we noted each product as such. Again, it’s not that the other products are bad, it’s just that, well, this is list already very long, and the website is called SafeMama after all.

        5. At the time of this publication, we hadn’t heard back from a couple of the companies. We’re pretty sure that California Baby is free of dioxanes, but because we hadn’t heard back from them after a few attempts at contact, we decided to put “unknown.” We’d rather be safe than sorry.

        We hope you’ll find this spreadsheet useful. We wanted to make sure that the Mamas (and the Daddys) know that there are lots of options out there for your little ones skin care needs. The link to this sheet will also be added to the sidebar. If you have any questions regarding these ingredients, please refer to our glossary.

        Once you’ve chosen safe bath products, make sure your bath toys are safe too.

        Apr

        4

        Product Review: Little Twig

        Filed Under paraben free, Product Reviews, Skin Care | 3 Comments

        Pin It

          Ok, well, let’s move onto something a little less depressing, shall we? I’ve been meaning to post about Little Twig. I bought some of their body wash for my son, to try out. I’ve had my eye on Little Twig’s products for awhile now, and quite frankly, while I still like California Baby’s products, I’m getting kind of sick of lavender, and I find that he smells like a wet dog after using it. So I sought out for something a little more fresh and picked up some of the Baby Wash in Tangerine Rosemary. Also, the good folks at Little Twig were kind enough to send me some of the lavender, lemon and tea tree body milk.

          The baby wash is heavenly. While it actually has some lavender in it, I can’t really tell, and it smells fresh and makes my son smell more like a clean fresh little boy, instead of your grandma. I love the crispness of it, and it foams nicely. I only wish it came in bigger sizes, with a pump, because the little bottles go quickly.

          The body milk I was kind of leary about, given that the main ingredient is lavender, but I was really pleasantly surprised. It’s not overpowering in the slightest, and I love the way this stuff goes on. It’s not thick, or greasy, and it goes on nice and smooth, and absorbs quickly. I also love that I can put it on my hands once and my dry hands don’t chew it up and spit it out and then ask for more. I put it on once and it seems to last through at least a couple of washings. I used it on my son before bed one night, and his dry patches were gone and his skin was still soft the next day. As a result of him being in a plagio helmet, we were needing to give him a bath nightly to keep his head clean and while I would only soap his body every other night, to avoid his skin getting too dry, it was kind of inevitable. Little Twig’s body milk gets a nice soft thumbs up from me. I’m keeping the lotion for myself. He can keep the baby wash… maybe.

          All of Little Twig’s products are made with organic ingredients, contain no phthalates, sulfates, parabens, PEG’s, dioxanes or propylene glycol. Phew, that’s a long list.

          Another bonus that I love about this company is that they have a great recycling program. Simply send your empty Little Twig bottles back to them, and they’ll give you 30% off your next order. I think this is absolutely fantastic. What girl doesn’t love a discount, and saving the environment at the same time? It’s like being Wonder Woman, without the uncomfortable leotard.

          You can find Little Twig’s products at limited Whole Food’s stores, as well as direct from them. And if you’re like me, and need instant gratification, use their store locator.

          Mar

          6

          Whole Foods Market Launches New Safety Seal

          Filed Under Articles, paraben free, Skin Care | 2 Comments

          Pin It

            pbc_round150My mother ship, Whole Foods (also lovingly known as Whole Paycheck by my pal Noel) recently put out a press release announcing their new new Premium Body Care seal of approval which will start to appear on their products:

            In response to growing consumer interest and confusion about natural personal care products, Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, has developed a new Premium Body Care standard and labeling seal of approval, setting a new industry benchmark. The new standard raises the bar for defining quality natural personal care and helps consumers decipher which body care products in its Whole Body™ departments contain the most natural and highest quality ingredients.

            As stated by Jeremiah McElwee, senior global Whole Body coordinator, personal care products are not regulated the way food is in this country. Anyone can slap the word “natural” on the label and no one will say a word about it. This frustrates me on so many levels because these days, you have to practically be a scientist to figure out what’s on the ingredients list of a bottle of baby lotion. My girls at Serendipity Soap Company know this all too well and did some undercover work on the subject. (I love you girls…you crack me up)

            Highlights of the new Premium Body Care guidelines are as follows (and they make me giddy inside):

            Preservatives — While few are truly benign, some are necessary in body care products, especially water-based products. The Premium Body Care standard allows only milder preservatives that are shown to function properly — such as potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate — yet have a lower likelihood of causing cosmetic-related allergies and sensitivities. Parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (i.e. diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin) are unacceptable.

            Surfactants — Used for cleaning, degreasing, emulsifying, conditioning and creating foam, these ingredients often irritate the skin and can remove essential fatty acids. The Premium Body Care standard allows only the most gentle types available, including decyl polyglucose and sodium stearoyl lactylate.

            Fragrance — Only natural essential oils and components of natural essential oils are allowed as fragrances.

            Sunscreen — Only physical sunscreen, such as zinc oxide or titaniumdioxide as better alternatives to those containing chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate.

            Seeing Whole Foods take a more active and careful role in what goes on the shelves in the personal care aisles means more changes will come and other chain stores will follow suit. There is a reason you can buy California Baby at Publix and Target these days…

            Related Links:
            PR Newswire Full press release.
            Whole Foods Premium Body Care Info

            Mar

            1

            Product Review Series: California Baby

            Filed Under paraben free, Phthalates Info, Product Reviews, Skin Care | 4 Comments

            Pin It

Latest CPSC Childrens Products and Toy Recalls

Car Seat Recalls

Latest FDA Recalls

Latest Recalls in Canada

Safer States Action Alerts





395256_125x125 Abes Market



Current-Special



I'm going to BlogHer '12
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • NetwrkBlog
  • Google+
  • Pinterest