Keys Soap Solar Rx Sunblock: still the best
I should be pleased that I am using the safest and most effective sunscreen – Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock SPF30 (Broad Spectrum Sunblock UVA & UVB Sun Protection with Nano Zinc-Oxide) – as rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) according to their latest investigations into 952 name-based sunscreens. In fact, I also own Lavera SPF40 Neutral Sunblock, rated the sixth safest and most effective in the list.
Top 10 safest and most effective sunscreen list
The list compiled by EWG is based on sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB radiation, remain stable in sunlight, and contain few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards. Unfortunately, apart from Badger, California Baby and Lavera, you’ll probably have to purchase the other brands online as they’re not available in Singapore. In addition, I don’t see any Asian brands in the list of sunscreens investigated at all.
| Top 10 Safest & Most Effective Sunscreen Rated by EWG |
| Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30 |
| Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ |
| California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+ |
| Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30 |
| Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum |
| Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40 |
| Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35 |
| UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ |
| Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30 |
| Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ |
Sunscreens
Sunscreens to buy
To be effective for best protection, EWG says a sunscreen should have SPF 30 or higher and contain at least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.
Sunscreens to avoid
In addition, their advice is that we should avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 which can cause hormone disruptions or allergies, as well as spray and powder sunscreens with nano-scale ingredients because the particles might absorb more easily through the lungs than the skin.
Micronized & nano-scale ingredients are safe
And interestingly, EWG is also now stating that both micronized and nano-scale zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection, and are considered safe because “repeated studies have found that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers’ exposures would be minimal.”
Product reviews on the safe list of sunscreens
If you’re interested to find out how some of the products stack up, you might want to check out my reviews of them as follows:
Product review on Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock
Product review on Lavera SPF40 Neutral Sunblock
Product review on Badger Sunscreen SPF30
Product review on JASON Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock SPF 30+
My experience tells me that usually the higher the content of zinc oxide, the greasier the sunscreen. Even in the case of Keys Solar Rx Sunblock, I can never use a lot of it at one time. Which is why I’m not sure if I want to continue using it again though I quite like it. Well, I’ll just have to see how it goes.
Keys Soap Solar RX Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30 is also available at Amazon.
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Sometimes, I don’t know how much to trust these studies because many brands we have in Asia aren’t listed e.g. not even L’oreal UV Perfect which has been in Asia for years is in their database. Makes me wonder if they are just testing USA/Europe brands only. That said, its a good guide to look at. Thanks for the heads up! Have a great weekend! ?
Paris: Yeah, I know what you mean. But I guess they can only test what’s widely available in the US market. I still think it’s a good guide.
Hi..i am just wondering where i can buy this Rx sunblock? Is it also good as a foundation for make up ? is it too oily??
Minnie: You need to order online at http://www.keys-soap.com/solarrx.html. It’s a good base for makeup. I find the texture okay, as long as you’re not applying too much.
You can now buy the Soleo Organics Sunscreen in Singapore. Unfortunately, like badger, it is not suitable for my combination skin (oily, dehydrated and sensitive).
I am still looking for a physical sunblock(w/o parabens, silicones, alcohol, unnecessary ingredients) and one that will not make me pasty white or oily etc. Wish me luck!
PS: I guess one of the reasons EWG tested only US / Europe brands is simply due to insufficient funding. They are self-funded (at least, it is what they claim).
Cecilia: I’ve heard of Soleo but not seen it around. Where is it available? But if the texture is greasy, then it’s not suitable for mine too.
It’s a bit tough to get a good physical sunscreen with those properties. I actually like Keys Solar RX quite a lot but the shipping cost is quite killing. I’m looking to try Blue Lizard range. Heard they’re excellent cos the key ingredient is zinc oxide.
I got the Soleo sunblock at the Bud’s organic shop at Novena SQ. The staff there are rather friendly.
Soleo is not as oily as Badger, it absorbs more readily. I’ve never tried Keys before. Tried Dr hauschka’s sunblock on Sat, seems good but unfortunately it’s not tinted….
Cecilia: Thanks! I’ll have a look sometime…
Tried Dr Hauschka’s sunblock for my face. Initially it worked alright but after a week, my face started to develop red patchy blotchness. Went to see a dematologist and he confirmed its prob allergic reaction due to my sensitive skin nature., so now I am back to using Sunsational sunscreeen (australia brand)… and the allergic reaction never came on.
Dr Hauschka’s is formulated using titanium dioxide but I suppose it’s something in there that did not agree with your skin.
Hi, has anyone tried the Lavera one? And yes, though the EWG website is good. I still cannot find a good sunscreen available in singapore. Badger is TOO oily.
The Lavera one uses Titanium Dioxide as the key ingredient…only protects 50% UVA. Try this one I reviewed recently:
https://www.vivawoman.net/2010/01/14/sweetsation-therapy-moisturizer-with-spf30/
It’s not bad. But you have to buy it online.