If you, like me, are a milky-white redhead who has an intimate relationship with aloe vera, you understand that it is just no fun to be baked by the sun. I've spent more money on SPF 45 than I care to remember and more miserable vacation nights unable to sit down because I had unknowingly sizzled my derriere. I've accepted the fact that a good chunk of my recreational beach budget will be given to the likes of Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic, but I have not come to terms with the extensive list of chemicals that make up these coconut-scented potions. I want an effective (i.e. not thick like paste and able to withstand a light misting of sweat or water or lemonade) sunscreen that is also all-natural. Considering the fact that I practically have to swim in the stuff, safety seems like a fair request.

Check out the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Report for the scoop on the exact chemicals that are in your favorite sunscreen and meanwhile restock your beach bag with one of these decidedly less toxic blocks:

Lavera Family Sun Spray SPF 15 Expensive, but worth it ($27/4 oz.). This German potion has no synthetic preservatives, colors, or fragrances as well as no petroleum, irritating emulsifiers, or detergents (e.g. Sodium Lauroyl Sulfate).

Weleda Edelweiss Sun Lotion SPF 15 ($15/6.5 oz) All-natural option based in water and sesame oil, but you won't smell like a stir fry with eucalyptus, lavender, sandalwood, sage, and ylang ylang in the mix.

[via Ideal Bite]

Image: Lavera (a sunscreen that makes the cut)