Before you buy sunscreen for this summer...

Best thing to do is to check the Cosmetics Database before you head to the store. It lists all kinds of cosmetics, including sunscreens, and their toxicity levels. This list is very helpful, because even though a particular brand may market itself as ''all-natural'', and charge you for that as well, they may not necessarily be all that they claim to be- as far as ''natural'' goes. You may end up finding something that is better and cheaper if you do a little research.

Each brand has many different products. While one (such as California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+) may be a ''0'' or a ''1''in the database (very safe), another from the very same company (such as California Baby Moisturizing Sunscreen Everyday/Year-Round, SPF 18), is a ''3'' (more toxic) just because of a different formulation. You need to pay attention to the exact name that is listed on the database. 

I went looking for sunscreen last year, and it was very frustrating. But if you call the store ahead of time, then they can check for you if they have what you are looking for, and save you a wasted trip. Just make sure to be very specific about the name, the spf etc. For example, Target had many Banana Boat products last year, but none of them were the specific one listed on the database. Even though all pharmacies carry Neutrogena, they may not have the specific one that is less toxic. Call ahead, and they can even put it at the front for you, so as to save you the time that you'd spend looking for it in the aisles. 

Here are a few more tips from Dr. S. Leachman, dermatologist and researcher at the University of Utah:

Buy:

SPF 30 or higher for best protection

At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

Avoid:

Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3

Spray and powder sunscreens

Fragrance (anything with ''fragrance'' means that is has phthalates)

Sunscreen with added bug repellent