Summer Skin Protectors

It's hard to resist the enticing allure of the summer sun. But considering that 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, you may want to moderate your enjoyment a bit. Further complicating the issue, products designed to protect us from excessive ultraviolet radiation (UV) may also cause harm in the long run. Commonly used sunscreen chemicals, such as benzophenone and octyl-methoxycinnamate (also called octinoxate), parabens used as preservatives and phthalates found in synthetic fragrances are suspected hormonal-system disruptors.

There are less toxic ways, however, to protect yourself without sacrificing your vanity or your long-term health.

Sunscreens and Blocks

A product's sun-protection factor (SPF) applies only to its resistance to UVB rays, so choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Instead of the problem chemicals listed above, California Baby's No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion uses titanium dioxide, which, like zinc oxide, physically blocks radiation and is less likely than other sunscreens to penetrate skin ($17.99; www.californiababy.com, 877-576-2825). While this lotion is perfect for adults with sensitive skin, never apply this, or any other sunscreen, to babies younger than six months. Protect them instead with proper clothing and by limiting their exposure during peak hours. For more alternatives, visit our Sunscreen Product Report.

Protective Moisturizer and Makeup

Juice Organics uses titanium dioxide in their Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 ($29; www.juicebeauty.com). So does Bare Escentuals' i.d. bareMinerals Powder Foundation SPF 15, which bears the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) Seal of Recommendation ($25; www.sephora.com).

Remember your lips! Lip cancer stems from excessive sun exposure, but unfortunately many lip balms with added SPF contain octinoxate and oxybenzone, which pose an additional threat if licked off and ingested. Aveda's Lip Color Concentrate contains only titanium dioxide ($14; www.aveda.com, 800-644-4831). And recent clinical studies have shown that shea butter helps protect the skin from UV rays. L'Occitane sells Pure 100-percent Shea Butter ($8/.26 oz.) and Tinted Shea Butter Balm ($13/.26 oz.; usa.loccitane.com, 888-623-2880). For colorless protection, use Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm from Burt's Bees ($2.70; www.burtsbees.com, 800-849-7112).