Researchers with the group recommend only 39 -- or 8 percent -- of the 500 beach and sunscreens on the market this season.
The advocacy group says there are too many products with exaggerated SPF claims, and it has been very critical of the way the Food and Drug Administration has overseen the labeling of sunscreens. It warns consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Hats and clothing and shade are preferred by the group, but the sunscreens that did rate well contain the minerals zinc or titanium.
Here are a few of the top rated brands: Badger, California Baby, Soleo Organics, ThinkBaby and ThinkSport, and Vanicream.
Some of the more common known products most people will be familiar with scored in the mid to lower range.
To see the full report go to www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/
