The fourth of July has come and gone and for me it means summer has officially started. I find myself spending more time outside; digging in the backyard, out at the pool or just reading a book in the sun. Because I am spending more time outside, I need watch my sun exposure and use sunscreen as needed. That then begs the question what is a good sunscreen and how safe are the sunscreens that are out on the market?

The EWG just completed their 2009 investigation of 1,572 sunscreens and other sun-blocking products and they found "that 3 of 5 sunscreens either don't protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals - or both." What are the best sunscreen products to be using on yourself and your family? Here is the 10-Best List from EWG, including the 10-Best lip balms and the 10-Best moisturizers.

On the top 10 sunscreens list:

  • Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic chemical-free sunscreen, SPF 30+
  • Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
  • Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
  • California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+
  • Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
  • Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen, SPF 22, Skin Tone Tinted
  • Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block, SPF 32
  • Elta MD UV Physical, SPF 41.

On the top 10 lip balm list:

  • Fallene cotz LipCotz, Ultra High Sun Protection, SPF 45
  • Jane Iredale LipDrink, SPF 15
  • Badger Lip Balm, SPF 15
  • Caribbean Blue-natural basics Lip Shield, SPF 15
  • Shady Day Shady Kiss Lip Balm, SPF 30
  • Bare Escentuals Lip Guard, SPF 15
  • Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Lip Butter, SPF 15, Pure Vanilla, SPF 15
  • Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Lemon & Chamomile, SPF 25
  • Rx Suncare Lip Balm Sunblock, SPF 45
  • Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Protective Lip Balm, SPF 8, Cocoa butter & Cardamom

And the top 10 SPF moisturizers, according to EWG:

  • Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Moisturizing sunblock, SPF 30
  • Marie Veronique Organics Crème de Jour Tinted, SPF 30,no nanoparticles
  • Devita International Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer 30
  • SanRe Organic Skinfood Supple Sunshine, Organic Rosemary and Lavender Day Creme (Dry to Normal), SPF 30
  • Lotus Moon Sage Sun Protective Crème, SPF 25
  • Institut Dermed Sun Protective Cream Oil Free, Untinted, SPF 28
  • N.V. Perricone M.D., Targeted Care Solar Protection Face with DMAE, SPF 26
  • Sue Devitt Promarine Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 30, Capri
  • Sun Science Organic Daily Wear, SPF 30
  • Karen's Botanical Lovely Lavender Cream, SPF 15

Take a look at the products that you are putting on yourself and on your family. Are they truly safe? For More information on the EWG's 2009 Sunscreen report please check out the following website http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/report/sunscreen09/press-release. Enjoy your time outside, but also remember to protect your skin and health.