When we refer to organic sunscreens, we mean one that uses carbon-based chemicals, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, to diminish the impact of UV rays. These sunscreens have fewer and healthier ingredients than mainstream sunscreens you might find at the grocery store.

So, why choose an organic sunscreen? Most widely available sunscreens contain not only sun protection chemicals but parabens, fragrance, phthalates, and multiple ethoxylated ingredients. And they're most likely packaged in an aerosolized can - which alone is a great reason not to choose this sunscreen.

What is a physical sunblock? Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the two physical sunblocks used in natural sunscreens. Rather than filtering the rays of the sun and diminishing harmful effects of UV light, a physical sunblock sits on tops of the skin and reflects the sunlight.

When choosing a sunscreen, try following these rules:

• Look for fewer ingredients overall
• Stick with non-nano zinc and titanium particles (until we know more about the effects of nanoparticles)
• Look for products with no parabens or fragrance