Top 20 Sunscreens of 2013

Summer is almost here, and sunscreen is at the top of your to-buy list. But with so many products on the market, which one should you choose?

The Environmental Working Group—a nonprofit that conducts research on health and the environment—has released its 2013 list of approved sunscreens. From that list, mom.me selected the best 20 for the whole family.

Like last year, we chose these 20 because they contain zinc oxide, a natural, broad-spectrum ingredient that protects against harmful UV rays. We also left out sunscreens that include oxybenzone, which, according to the EWG, can disrupt hormones; products with deceptively high SPFs (you still need to reapply often); and vitamin A, which can increase the development of skin tumors and lesions.

Packed with organic botanical ingredients, Ava Anderson sunscreen SPF 30+ offers strong sun protection without harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates or synthetic preservatives. Its broad-spectrum coverage works well for the whole family.

To buy: Ava Anderson, $19

We all know that zinc oxide is great at protecting skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. What sometimes can be frustrating is that conspicuous streak of white. Babo Botanicals offers a clear zinc sunscreen that also contains organic oils and won't clog pores.

To buy: Babo Botanicals, $19

Lightly scented with organic Bulgarian lavender, Badger's broad spectrum sunscreen is 100 percent certified natural and 95 percent organic. The ultra-safe sunscreen also protects against UVA and UVB rays.

To buy: Coolibar, $16

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Ocean-safe and chemical-free, BurnOut Kids Physical Sunscreen works well on active children (which ones aren't?) who also have sensitive skin.

To buy: BurnOut Suncare, $18

When it comes to little ones, sometimes it's easier when you have a sunscreen stick instead of a lotion or spray. Less mess—and usually fewer tears. Burt's Bees ranks high because of its UVA protection and hypoallergenic ingredients. It's even pediatrician-tested.

To buy: Burt's Bees, $10

Scoring an overall excellent rating from the EWG when it comes to UVA protection and UVA/UVB balance, Celadon Road reminds everyone that its sunscreen is vegan edible grade 86 percent organic—just remember it's for your skin and not to actually eat. It's also the only sunscreen, it says, that's FDA approved for infants.

To buy: Celadon Road, $26

Boasting such ingredients as organic extra virgin olive oil, organic jojoba butter and vegetable vitamin E, Celtic Complexion sunscreen is a natural choice for both grown-ups and kids. It also gets an overall excellent for UV protection from the EWG.

To buy: Celtic Complexion, $29

This new water-resistant sunscreen has plant stem cells that boost SPF, as well as ingredients that fight premature aging and soothe skin after sun exposure.

To buy: COOLA, $42

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Offering the same UV protection as the grown-up variety, ECO Baby All Natural Sunscreen also provides added moisture for infant skin. With ingredients such as avocado and carrot oil, baby's skin will be soft while exploring the great outdoors. (Just be sure to check with a doctor for infants under 6 months old.)

To buy: Drugstore.com, $17

In addition to the key ingredient of zinc oxide, Elemental Herbs has packed its sunscreen for kids with certified organic green tea, rose hip antioxidants and extra virgin olive oil to moisturize skin. As the company says, it's safe for coral reefs, kids and you.

To buy: Elemental Herbs, $16

If you're going out with baby, Goddess Garden sunscreen is great for keeping him protected and moisturized. The broad-spectrum sun protection also offers completely nontoxic ingredients.

To buy: Goddess Garden, $18

Made with pomegranate seed oil to hydrate sun-exposed young skin, Green Babies Zinc Oxide sunscreen is also free of PABA, parabens and oxybenzone.

To buy: Drugstore.com, $15

With excellent UVA and UVB protection, as measured by the EWG, Healing Scents mineral-based sunscreen is great for keeping sun rays at bay. Not only that, but bugs will also think twice, as the product's lavender oil repels insects.

To buy: Healing-Scents, $10

Head-to-toe sun protection, KINeSYS Sunscreen Ointment offers great coverage with 25 percent zinc oxide. Ingredients such as peppermint and rosemary refresh and moisturize skin. It's also vegan and cruelty-free.

To buy: KINeSYS, $30

Releve sunscreen gets an overall excellent from the EWG for broad-spectrum protection and stability. What helps set it apart from other sunscreens is its inclusion of 100 percent hand-filleted aloe vera, which heals skin after catching too much sun.

To buy: Emerald Essentials, $25

Specially formulated for kids with sensitive skin, Sunumbra Sunkids sunscreen is all about natural ingredients. And that includes black tea extract, Cape chamomile oil and, yes, even broccoli sprout extract.

To buy: Sunumbra, $34

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This sunscreen has a track record with the EWG, scoring the top "1" overall rating every year since 2010. That's no surprise, considering Thinksport Thinkbaby sunscreen is free of biologically harmful chemicals and offers the highest level of broad-spectrum protection. It's even made in the U.S.A.

To buy: Thinkbaby, $16

Water-resistant and packed with organic ingredients such as sunflower, jojoba and green tea oils, TruBaby Mineral Sunscreen gets high marks for its safety (for babies and kids!) as well as its protection.

To buy: TruBaby, $15

The 100 percent mineral formula in this new formulation of True Natural sunscreen protects even the most sensitive skin while offering unscented, vegan sun protection from harmful UV rays.

To buy: True Natural, $25

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With a blend of calming ingredients such as grape-seed oil and vitamin E, UV Natural Baby Sunscreen is all about soothing and hydrating young skin. And, while it is broad spectrum and water-resistant (like most sunscreens), reapply often.

To buy: UV Natural, $34