In a recent study by the US Food & Drug Administration, they found that chemicals found in common sunscreens – avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene – are absorbed into the bloodstream after just one day of sunblock use. Why is this a problem? They are packed with toxic chemicals known to disrupt hormones, irritate the skin, and not to mention, they’ve proven these chemicals kill the coral. The FDA proposed new sunscreen regulations that state only two ingredients (both minerals) are generally recognized as safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Moral of the story, it’s time to switch to a clean sunscreen! But how do you know if a sunscreen is technically clean? And which should you choose?

To make this simple, follow one basic rule: look for mineral (also called physical) sunscreens.

When looking for mineral sunscreen you want to look for the two FDA approved ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These two ingredients actually create a physical block between the sun and your skin, so the rays never penetrate.

Because of the zinc, mineral isn’t as easy to rub. The white residue has been the biggest drawback of using any sort of mineral block but thanks to new formulations and advances in technology, it’s gotten SO much better. Here is a list of mineral sunscreens that have the highest rating of a 1 by the EWG plus a few notes on ones that I personally use: