Sunscreen Safe

$32 through Sephora

We all know sunscreen is a must. But -- as with many personal care and beauty products out there on the market -- when it comes to getting down to the nitty-gritty of what we're actually lathering onto our collective skin, sunscreen starts falling into a gray area. Mainly because this ingredient or that ingredient becomes linked with some kind of health problem.

Since I'm not a chemist or doctor, but would definitely like to avoid anything that is bad for my health, I figure the best plan of attack is to look for products that have less chemicals and more naturally occurring ingredients.

Which is why Josie Maran's new Protect daily facial sunscreen with an SPF 40+ caught my attention. Using naturally occurring titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this sunblock is PABA- and chemical-free, and safe for sensitive skin. Its other active ingredients include argan oil for moisture and skin cell repair, antioxidant-rich pomegranate oil for improved skin tone and elasticity and jojoba oil for skin conditioning.

After testing it out on a few recent sun-filled runs, I'd have to say the sunscreen seemed to do its job. It wasn't overly greasy and worked even for my arms, chest and upper back. Its apricot oil fragrance was barely noticeable and a little of the sunscreen seemed to go a long way. And best of all, I didn't feel like I was doing anything counterproductive for my health.