Research done by Dr. Frank Garland, PhD, of the University of California, San Diego states: "While sunscreens do protect against sunburn, there is NO SCIENTIFIC PROOF that they protect against melanoma or basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) in humans." When Choosing a Sunscreen Avoid These Chemicals: Oxybenzone and dixoybenzone (or 4 MBC) Parabens Cinnamates (octyl methoxycinnamate and cinoxate) Digalloyl trioleate Menthyl anthranilate Salicylates Avobenzone (butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane, parsol 1789) Some safer sunscreens: Aveeno Baby Badger Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen California Baby Kabana Green Screen Lavera Soleo Organics Sun Science Sport Formula Source: Super Natural Home, by Beth Greer The latest research about the popular sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) clarifies the facts: "In a 2008 investigation of nearly 1000 name-brand sunscreens, the EWG found that many are not safe and not effective. More precisely, four out of every five contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don't adequately protect people from UVA radiation. The EWG's investigation determined that some of the worst offenders to be leading brands such as COPPERTONE, BANANA BOAT, and NEUTROGENA. These three (along with nearly 600 others) contain an ingredient called OXYBENZONE, a penetration enhancer, or chemical that helps other chemicals penetrate the skin. OXYBENZONE has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage by the (CDC) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." Posted April 2009 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.