Drinkable sunscreen and best options for 2014

NEW YORK -- Before you hit the beach, is it possible to "Drink your UV protection"?

Osmosis skincare claim their drinkable UV neutralizer gives you an SPF of 30.

The company website says their new technology "isolates the precise frequencies needed to neutralize UVA and UVB" rays.

But after asking the company for scientific proof, the British Association of Dermatologists issued a statement. "The formulation is 100% water and, as far as our experts are concerned, it is complete nonsense to suggest that drinking water will give you a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30."

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA but the agency says products claiming to be a sunscreen are considered drugs and require evaluation.

Meanwhile, the standard sunscreens are being questioned about how much protection they really provide.

In a new analysis, Consumer Reports tested 20 sprays and lotions that claim to be water resistant and provide broad spectrum protection.

"Broad spectrum means they should protect against two types of ultraviolet rays: UVB rays which cause sunburn, and UVA rays which are linked to skin aging both types contribute to skin cancer," said Jamie Kopf.

They applied sunscreen to panelists' backs and had them soak in a tub for 80 minutes.

Then they were exposed to UVA rays or UVB, and the backs were examined a day later for color. The results? Only two sunscreens provided the SPF promised on the label.

"We can't say why our test results differ from the manufacturers'. In some cases we found the SPF was off by just a little but two sunscreens were off by much more," adds Kopf.

Beyond coastal natural claimed an SPF of 30, but testers found its SPF was below 15. Banana Boat kids' SPF was also below 15, though it claimed SPF 50.

Consumer Reports did find seven sunscreens to recommend- we put the full list at 7-online. The two best buys according to their testing- equate ultra protection SPF 50 from Walmart for $9.

And the spray "Up & Up sport SPF 50" from Target for $8.

Consumer Reports did find seven sunscreens to recommend:

British Association of Dermatologists:

Statement in response to Drinkable Sunscreens

http://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/drinkable-sunscreen

FDA STATEMENT (in response to Drinkable Sunscreens)

The determination of a product jurisdiction (e.g., drug, dietary supplement, cosmetic, etc) is largely dependent on the claims or indications being sought by the product sponsor. Claiming that a product is a "sunscreen" would require the product to be evaluated for safety and efficacy as a drug. There are currently no FDA approved oral dosage sunscreens, and the FDA's over-the-counter (OTC) monograph does not cover any such product. The FDA is only able to provide information on approved drug product applications. Any information on an application that has yet to receive an approval or was denied approval belongs to the manufacturer/sponsor developing the drug.