Is your sunscreen dangerous?

Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide -- which are physical blockers that add a thickness to the cream -- are the safest bets, Leiba contends, both in terms of protecting against UV rays and in terms of potential safety hazards.

In its rankings, Consumer Reports noted that almost every product "contains some ingredients associated with adverse health effects in animal studies," and advised pregnant women to avoid retinyl palmitate because vitamin A medications and skin care products have been linked to birth defects.

That's pretty scary stuff and might make some folks think twice about using sunscreen altogether, but experts -- including Consumer Reports and EWG -- said that would be the exact wrong approach to take.

The American Academy of Dermatology responded to the new rankings with this statement emphasizing that all sunscreen ingredients -- including retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone -- are safe.

“To reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, dermatologists continue to recommend generously applying a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen; that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB); with an SPF 30 or higher," read a statement from AAD president Dr. Ronald L. Moy, "in conjunction with other sun-safe practices such as limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.”

Dr. Emmy Graber, a dermatologist at Boston Medical Center, says she agrees with this approach. "I don't tell my patients to avoid products with certain chemicals. I don't think there's any good evidence to suggest they should." (Graber doesn't get any funding from sunscreen manufacturers.)