The Environmental Working Group has found out that four out of five brand-name sunscreens are not adequate for consumers, after testing about 1,000 products. They have either failed to adequately protect consumers or contain chemicals that may pose health hazards, EWG said in a statement.

The worst faring were sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Around 85 percent of them included ingredients which are not tested for safety or are already considered health risks, or simply did not shield UV rays appropriately.

The top three brand names were also the worst in EWG tests. Market leader Coppertone did not have any product among the 41 tested which met all the required criteria. Only 1 of 103 products from Neutrogena and Banana Boat, the second- and third-largest manufacturers, passed the tests.

The study is based on nearly 400 papers on the 17 chemicals used to block ultraviolet light in the United States. What most people don't know is that most of these substances actually break down when exposed to sunlight, and their efficiency disappears after a short time. Other chemicals enter the skin and are health hazards especially for people with allergies and hormone sensitivities.

The top ten products are as follows (per EWG):

1.    Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30
2.    Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
3.    California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
4.    Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
5.    Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum
6.    Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
7.    Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35
8.    UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
9.    Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30
10.    Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

The top ten national brands are (per EWG):

1.    Blue Lizard    (anything without oxybenzone)
2.    California Baby    (anything with SPF 30+)
3.    CVS    (with zinc oxide)
4.    Jason Natural Cosmetics    (Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock)
5.    Kiss My Face    ("Paraben Free" series)
6.    Neutrogena    (Sensitive Skin Sunblock)
7.    Olay    (Defense Daily UV Moisturizer with zinc)
8.    SkinCeuticals    (Physical UV Defense)
9.    Solar Sense    (Clear Zinc for Face)
10.    Walgreens    (Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears)