Sunscreens protect us from the harmful U. V rays but it is very essential to use a sunscreen which gives maximum benefit.

The sunscreen should be broad spectrum and should guard us from both UVA and UVB. The sunscreen should also have an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of 15 or more.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) mentions the ingredients of more than 1,300 products used for sun screening.

The organization recommends people to avoid the use of sunscreens which contain vitamin A ("retinyl palmitate"), oxybenzone or insect repellent, as these substances are dangerous for health. Also, it advises users not to buy the sunscreens whose S. P. F rating is more than 50, as they do not protect the skin from damage.

But, Personal Care Products Council has said that the research conducted by EWG is groundless. Personal Care Products Council is a national Trade Group which represents producers.

The sunscreens which top the list comprise zinc or titanium. Many of the sunscreens whose constituents have nanoparticles may be harmful for the skin.

Another nonprofit group called Friends of the Earth revealed that the mineral based sunscreens contain nanoparticles, which are 100 nanometers in size, and can cause skin damage.