Review: 11 editor-approved sunscreens worth buying in 2025
This just in — wearing sunscreen is hot! Over the last decade, skincare as we know it has changed from basic pimple care to a full-circle approach that is as much preventive as it is reparative. Younger generations have begun to prioritize skin health over aesthetics, leading to the rise of a skincare trend we know oh too well — SPF ! As a loud and proud Gen Z born in 2000, I am among the future that has started asking, 'What will happen?' rather than just letting it happen.
BEST OVERALL SUNSCREEN - Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($25)
Drum roll, please! Our top pick after years of being an avid SPF wearer has to be Naked Sundays. The viral SPF-focused brand is known for its top-tier products from bronzers to setting sprays and beyond. My personal favorite (though I've tried nearly all of their products) has to be this Collagen Glow lotion. It has SPF 50, a seamless shade, and I seriously love the smell! Unlike some products, this one acts as your moisturizer and SPF. It deeply hydrates my skin, leaving a soft, fresh face glow with active ingredients (aka an all-in-one).
BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN - Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen ($38)
Supergoop and I have a long history, and it is safe to say that after years of use, it remains my absolute favorite. This was the first face SPF product I ever tried, and the weightless application shocks me to this day! The formula is thin, not oily, and completely blendable with other skincare. (Pro-Tip: Mix it in with your moisturizer for smooth, even application!). Packed with protection, this glowy little bottle gives my skin an effortless sun-kissed effect that has become a staple in my daily skin routine.
BEST BUDGET SUNSCREEN - e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen ($14)
You don't need full pockets to get flawless SPF-protected skin, and this e.l.f product proves it. I first tried this hidden gem as a freebie while attending a music festival years ago, and now I can't imagine life without it! The priming SPF goes on incredibly thin and leaves a very subtle glow. It comes in three different glow shades, but our personal favorite continues to be Sunbeam. For only $14, this find is easily worth it for the price and makes it the most affordable option we've yet to try that made our cut.
BEST LIP SUNSCREEN - Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Untinted ($14)
News flash! Even your lips need UV ray protection, besties. This is a recent launch I tried from Australian brand Lanolips, and to say I was SHOCKED is an understatement. I typically dislike SPF-infused lip products, but this one had a summery vibe and kept my lips moisturized for over an hour after application. It is tropically flavored, and you can even shop for a cute phone accessory that will hold it on your case!
BEST SPLURGE SUNSCREEN - Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55)
What CAN'T Charlotte Tilbury do?! The makeup icon recently debuted this primer that is packed with SPF, and much like her other products — it's good. The formula is scentless, invisible, and minimizes pores for a seamless finish. After giving it a try for a week, I am convinced it is the perfect blend of makeup and SPF. We would be foolish not to mention the price tag, though... At $55, this is the most expensive buy on our list, and thus it falls lower on the scale. Is it amazing? YES! Is it worth the money? Yes, but you can find more affordable (but just as effective) options.
THE SHORTLIST - Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer ($48)
Lancôme is a trusted skincare and beauty brand that I grew up knowing of through my mom! As I matured and began becoming more interested in appearance, I dabbled with the luxe brand and in doing so found this SPF. If you ignore the steep price tag, this primer is one hundred percent worth it. I have very few negative comments on this SPF, and if anything find it to be one of my favorites. It is light-weight, has a whopping SPF 50, and the vitamin-rich formula packs on hydration. I love how my skin feels even during hot, dry days while wearing this product.
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 ($39)
All right beauty besties... I have to be honest, this SPF is not high on my list. Although I am a HUGE fan of the brand their SPF let me down. The consistency is more serum like (runny at times) even after shaking and it doesn't leave the 'clean girl' glow I'd expect. But that all being said it has SPF 50 which is super protective and makes it great for vacationing in the sun! Plus, the brand is known for its quality French skincare.
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36)
From their viral Lip Butter Balms to their SPF — it seems Summer Fridays is the talk of the town. I tested out the best-selling ShadeDrops, and my review is simple: good but not great. I enjoyed the thin texture, but at times feared it veered a bit too liquid for my taste. The shade of the product overall was lovely on the skin, however, my skin did not feel deeply hydrated (which for me is a must!). If you are a fan of the brand, I do think it is a definite 'add to cart' still, but if you were to ask me at $36, it would not be my first pick.
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($40)
Kosas has been a favorite beauty brand of mine for some time now because their products are ultra-hydrating! This cutie SPF and highlighter duo is on rotation here and there in my routine. It leaves a good glow and comes in two shades. However, for the greasy gals, it leaves a small trace of residue, which for me was a deal breaker. Also at $40, this pint-sized pick leans more towards the high end of our range.
Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 ($21.49)
My beach go-to! Sun Bum is known for their tropical must-haves that smell faintly like banana, and this facial mist is my absolute Holy Grail. I love the scent, adore the bright packaging, and appreciate the ability to mist it instead of rubbing it all over my face. Plus, this bad boy can double as a makeup setter during hot, sweaty days.
Glossier Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 ($32)
If you are looking for an invisible SPF(literally!), this Glossier one is for you! The small bottles pack an SPF 50 punch and, unlike many sunscreen products, are completely clear. What I like is that the formula is incredibly thin to wear and has an aloe-infused base for skin calming. My only grievance was that I found my skin felt a bit greasy, as if it could not fully absorb the product! But given my dry skin, it is entirely possible the see-through sunblock just did not jive with me. Overall, this was a nice change from the average white-cast lotion forms I have tried, and I think I will keep it on deck for the future.
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Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh, 18, looks just like dad Brad Pitt in new images... after teen dropped his last name
Shiloh Jolie was seen outside her Los Angeles dance studio on Wednesday. The 18-year-old student had on no makeup as she wore her white blonde hair up in a messy updo with a hair tie. The Los Angeles resident was dressed in a navy blue sweatshirt and dark sweat pants and white sneakers as she held onto her cell phone. Fans have taken to social media in recent months to debate if the young adult looks more like her mother Angelina Jolie or father Brad Pitt. In the new images, she certainly resembled her dad, whose last name she has dropped in recent months; she now goes by Shiloh Jolie with her nickname being Shi. Brad and Angelina have six children together: Maddox, 23; Pax, 21; Zahara, 20; Shiloh; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. This comes just as a source told People that the children are doing fine after the finalization of the Pitt/Jolie divorce: 'The kids are amazing and thriving,' said the insider. Scroll down for a list of 50 little-known facts about Jolie... Jolie turned 50-years-old on Wednesday. And People claimed to know how the Oscar-winning Hollywood actress - who has been linked to Pedro Pascal and ex Jonny Lee Miller in recent months - spent her big day. She was with those closest to her in a small celebration, the outlet shared. 'She doesn't want a big party,' a source told the outlet adding Jolie - whose has a different birth name - prefers 'a more intimate celebration.' And the site also shared that the Los Angeles native is welcoming entering her fifties: 'She seems genuinely excited and happy about turning 50,' said the pal. 'She is embracing the idea of turning 50 and feels more grounded than ever. She's not shying away from getting older, in fact she's leaning into it.' The insider then said: 'Angie sees aging in a really positive light especially after losing her mom so young.' Her mother Marcheline Bertrand died in 2007 at age 56. 'She feels calm, inspired, and she's excited about what's ahead,' said the source. This is a nice change after so much instability in her 40s. 'So much of her 40s were rough,' added the insider who seemed to be referring to her nasty eight year divorce struggle with Pitt. Fans have taken to social media in recent months to debate if the young adult looks more like her mother Angelina Jolie or father Brad Pitt. In this image, she certainly resembled e her dad, whose last name she has dropped in recent months. Pitt seen in 1988 'She's in a much better place now,' the source continued. 'There is less family drama.' This comes after Pitt has spoken publicly for the first time about the conclusion of his long-running divorce proceedings with Jolie. The 61-year-old actor married Angelina in 2014 after they met on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2005 and the couple separated in 2016, with the actress filing for divorce the same year before the couple became embroiled in bitter custody and business disputes, some of which are still ongoing. When asked about the significance of his divorce settlement with Angelina. F1 star Brad said: 'No, I don't think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally.' The couple's legal disputes have encompassed custody of their six children and the division of assets including the Château Miraval winery in France. During the GQ interview, Brad addressed the media scrutiny surrounding his private life by saying: 'It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way.' The actor currently resides in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, 32-year-old jewelry executive Ines de Ramon. Asked whether their red carpet appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was intended to promote F1, Brad denied any strategic motivation. He said: 'No, dude, it's not that calculated.' Asked whether their red carpet appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was intended to promote F1, Brad denied any strategic motivation. The Fight Club actor then said: 'If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? 'If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? 'No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve.' When GQ asked whether working on F1 served as a 'refuge from all the attention,' the versatile actor responded with a very skeptical: 'Um, I don't see it that way.' He added: 'It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do. 'So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know.' Reflecting on his current lifestyle, Brad said: 'Mostly I feel pretty... my life is fairly contained. 'It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit.' Brad was also previously married to actress Jennifer Aniston, 55, before their divorce in 2005. 50 FACTS ABOUT ANGELINA JOLIE Angelina Jolie is now 50. It is quite the milestone for the Oscar-winning actress who was born into fame as her father is 86-year-old Mission: Impossible actor Jon Voight, and then she found fame on her own as a teenager with daring acting roles. But there are many things that fans may not know about the mother-of-six. To celebrate the Maleficent actress' big birthday, has complied a list of 50 facts about the silver-screen superstar that many people may not know. For example, though Jolie has had dark hair for her entire career, she was born a blonde. In recent months, the ex-wife of Brad Pitt has returned to her lighter locks. Another is that she has taken college classes in New York City. And then there is the information about who her best Hollywood friends are and why she wouldn't work with Leonardo DiCaprio. One of the most surprising facts: Jolie is not her last name on her birth certificate. 1. She has more than 30 tattoos. There is a mark of a sparrow on her chest which some of her children have as well. 2. Jolie has a private pilot's license and flies a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, which is a single-engine four- or five-seat composite aircraft built since 2001 by Cirrus Aircraft of Duluth, Minnesota. 3. Angelina was bullied for being slender when attending Beverly Hills High School. Her classmate was Sam Nazarian, who later became the founder of Umami Burger and Katsuya. 4. She was only 19-years-old when she married her Hackers co-star Jonny Lee Miller in 1996. They split in 1999, with the divorce finalized in 2000. They are still friends to this day. 5. She is the niece of singer Chip Taylor who wrote the song Wild Thing; Chip is the younger brother of Jon. 6. Jolie's godparents are actors Jacqueline Bisset and Maximilian Schell. Bisset was specifically asked to be Jolie's godmother by her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, while Bertrand was pregnant. 7. Jolie holds Cambodian citizenship, a recognition of her work in helping the country and she has said she wants to move there once her 16-year-old twins turn 18. 8. When she wed Brad Pitt in France, her veil and train had embroidered drawings on them from their six children. 9. The humanitarian has visited Iraq on several occasions in her role as Special Envoy for the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency). She was in Mosul and the Sinjar region. 10. The star dated Madonna's friend, Vogue model Jenny Shimizu, around 1996 and admitted they fell in love. 11. Jolie has said in the past that she has kept a gun in her house. 12. She speaks French almost fluently and will use the language in her upcoming film Couture, which is set in Paris. 13. The often-wed star has worn wedding gowns for the movies Mr & Mrs Smith and The Good Shepherd. 14. Her nickname is Ange. 15. Jolie purchased an estate in Los Feliz, California, which was previously owned by the iconic filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille who made the 1934 drama Cleopatra with Claudette Colbert. 16. Jolie was initially attached to a Cleopatra movie project, but it was ultimately canceled. 17. Her acting role model is Gena Rowlands who was best known for the films A Woman Under The Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980). Angelina and Gena worked on the 2004 film Taking Lives. 18. One of Angelina's longtime celebrity friends is Gwen Stefani. Back in 2008, Angelina revealed that she and Gwen grew close after they gave birth to their kids around the same time. 19. She has become pals with Salma Hayek after they costarred in The Eternals. Jolie has directed Hayek in the upcoming movie Without Blood. 20. Jolie has met Queen Elizabeth II. In 2014, Jolie received an honorary damehood from the Queen at Buckingham Palace for her work in U.K. foreign policy and her campaign to end sexual violence in war zones. The Queen presented her with the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross. 21. The star really sang opera in her Maria Callas film after training her voice for seven months. 22. Jolie performed many of her own stunts in the film Salt. She reportedly did 99% of the stunts, including leaping from one truck to another. 23. The star kept a photo of her mother in her purse when filming a difficult scene for Changeling because it gave her strength. 24. She collaborated with jeweler Robert Procop to create the Style of Jolie jewelry line in 2012, with all proceeds benefiting Jolie's charity, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict. 25. In 2023, she launched Atelier Jolie in New York City. She attends many of the store's events. 26. Angelina turned down a role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator so she would not have to work with Harvey Weinstein. 27. The beauty's first role was as Tosh Warner in 1982's Lookin' To Get Out; she was billed as Angelina Jolie Voight. Her co-stars were dad Jon as well as legend Ann-Margret. 28. She was also a music video star who worked with Lenny Kravitz, Meat Loaf and The Rolling Stones. 29. Some of the famous people she has played are Cornelia Wallace, model Gia Carangi, journalist Mariane Pearl and singer Maria Callas. 30. Jolie's voice work has appeared in animated films like 2004's Shark Tale (she was Lola), the Kung Fu Panda movies (she played Tigress) and The One And Only Ivan (she voiced Stella). 31. There is talk of a Maleficent 3. 32. Jolie is known to speak Khmer, the Cambodian language. 33. The looker has modeled for many brands including Louis Vuitton, Guerlain and Shiseido. 34. Jolie has appeared on approximately 28 Vogue covers across different international editions, including American, British, and Japanese Vogue. 35. The pinup has admitted that she can't cook even the most basic meals. 36. Jolie has been seen driving several different vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Jaguar XJ, a BMW hydrogen, a Range Rover Vogue, and a Cadillac Escalade. 37. The thespian has said the character she played that is most like her is Thena in the movie Eternals. She stated that they are both 'raw, broken, and vulnerable.' 38. Jolie's sun and Mercury are in the sign of Gemini. 39. Her tattoo artists are Sompong Kanphai for traditional Thai tattoos, including the iconic Bengal tiger on her back. Mark Mahoney has also been a frequent choice, designing and applying intricate designs like the Stay Gold tattoo and the recent dainty bird tattoo. Mr. K has worked on her hands, and Bang Bang tattoo studio has also been involved. 40. Her favorite country to visit is Cambodia. 41. Her brother James Haven has appeared in several of her movies: 1998's Gia, 1998's Hell's Kitchen and 2001's Original Sin. 42. The star tries to hide her big size nine feet by wearing beige shoes. 43. She hired a refugee to run the restaurant Eat Off Beat inside her store Atelier Jolie. 44. Jolie calls herself a punk: 'If punk means not to follow, but to question, then I suppose I do. The resistance to being told how to think, dress or feel is important to me,' she told CR Fashion Book. 45. The Oscars love her: Jolie won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing a diagnosed sociopath in the psychological thriller Girl, Interrupted (1999). She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Christine Collins in the mystery crime drama Changeling (2008). In 2014 she was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards by the Academy. 46. Jolie revealed that selling the first photos of her twins, Knox and Vivienne, in 2008 was a security decision to control their release safely while also donating the proceeds to charity. 47. She has gone under the knife: Angie underwent a prophylactic mastectomy, followed by breast reconstruction, and a preventive salpingo-oophorectomy to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. These procedures were undertaken due to her elevated risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, stemming from a positive BRCA1 gene mutation. 48. She has been to college: the star took night classes at New York University to study directing and screenwriting. And she studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. 49. Her middle name is Jolie as her full birth name is Angelina Jolie Voight. 50. Jolie's net worth is estimated to be $120 million as of 2025.
Geeky Gadgets
22 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
What Is a Triage AI Agent Automation & Multi-Agent Systems Explained
What if the key to solving complex, high-stakes challenges in industries like healthcare, cybersecurity, or customer service wasn't a human expert, but an intelligent system that never sleeps? Enter the world of triage AI agents, a new evolution in automation that's reshaping how organizations prioritize and manage tasks. Inspired by the life-or-death urgency of medical triage, these systems don't just organize workflows—they make data-driven decisions in real-time, making sure that critical issues are addressed immediately while routine tasks are handled with precision. In a world where delays can cost lives, revenue, or reputations, triage AI agents are proving to be indispensable allies. IBM Technology explores the mechanics and fantastic potential of triage AI agents, revealing how they combine multi-agent systems, large language models (LLMs), and domain-specific knowledge to transform task management. You'll uncover how these systems operate behind the scenes, from collecting and assessing data to routing tasks with unparalleled efficiency. Whether you're curious about their role in reducing patient wait times, thwarting cyber threats, or enhancing customer satisfaction, this deep dive will illuminate why triage AI agents are more than just another automation tool—they're a glimpse into the future of intelligent decision-making. Could this be the breakthrough your industry has been waiting for? Triage AI Agents Overview How Triage AI Agents Work Triage AI agents streamline workflows by automating the intake, assessment, and routing of tasks. This structured process is composed of three primary components: Intake Agent: This component collects data from users or systems through conversational interfaces or APIs. It connects to knowledge sources such as historical records, templates, or client-specific data to ensure the information gathered is both accurate and relevant. This component collects data from users or systems through conversational interfaces or APIs. It connects to knowledge sources such as historical records, templates, or client-specific data to ensure the information gathered is both accurate and relevant. Assessment Agent: Once data is collected, this agent evaluates the information using domain-specific knowledge, search APIs, or LLMs. It identifies the task's nature, diagnoses potential issues, and determines the most appropriate course of action. Once data is collected, this agent evaluates the information using domain-specific knowledge, search APIs, or LLMs. It identifies the task's nature, diagnoses potential issues, and determines the most appropriate course of action. Routing Agent: In the final step, the task is either executed or directed to the appropriate resource. This is achieved through automation tools, communication platforms, or priority management systems. By integrating these components, triage AI agents reduce delays, optimize task management, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Their ability to handle complex workflows with minimal human intervention makes them a valuable asset for organizations aiming to improve productivity. The Evolution of Triage: From Medicine to AI The concept of triage has its roots in military medicine, where patients were prioritized based on the urgency of their conditions rather than their rank or status. This principle of prioritization has since been adopted across various industries where efficient task management is critical. In the digital age, AI agents have taken this concept to new heights by replicating and enhancing human decision-making through automation and artificial intelligence. These systems are designed to handle the growing complexity of modern workflows, offering precision and speed that surpass traditional methods. By automating the triage process, organizations can allocate resources more effectively, making sure that critical tasks receive immediate attention while routine tasks are managed systematically. What are Triage AI Agents? Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on AI agents from our extensive range of articles. Applications Across Key Industries Triage AI agents are versatile tools with applications that span multiple sectors. Their ability to intelligently prioritize and manage tasks is transforming key industries in the following ways: Healthcare: Triage AI agents streamline patient intake processes, assess symptoms, and route cases to the appropriate medical professionals. This reduces wait times, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and improves overall patient care. Triage AI agents streamline patient intake processes, assess symptoms, and route cases to the appropriate medical professionals. This reduces wait times, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and improves overall patient care. Cybersecurity: These agents analyze potential threats, prioritize vulnerabilities, and direct incidents to the appropriate teams. By automating these processes, organizations can bolster their security posture and respond to threats more effectively. These agents analyze potential threats, prioritize vulnerabilities, and direct incidents to the appropriate teams. By automating these processes, organizations can bolster their security posture and respond to threats more effectively. Customer Service: In customer service, triage AI agents automate the prioritization of inquiries, making sure that urgent issues are addressed promptly while routine queries are resolved efficiently. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces response times. The adaptability of triage AI agents makes them suitable for any domain requiring intelligent task management. Their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems further enhances their utility across diverse applications. Technologies Powering Triage AI Agents The effectiveness of triage AI agents is underpinned by a combination of advanced technologies and tools. These technologies work in tandem to create intelligent, adaptable, and efficient AI solutions: Large Language Models (LLMs): Models like GPT enable triage AI agents to process and interpret natural language, enhancing their ability to assess and prioritize tasks accurately. Models like GPT enable triage AI agents to process and interpret natural language, enhancing their ability to assess and prioritize tasks accurately. Domain-Specific Knowledge: By incorporating industry-specific data, these agents make informed decisions that are tailored to the context of each task. By incorporating industry-specific data, these agents make informed decisions that are tailored to the context of each task. Search APIs: These tools allow agents to access and analyze external data sources, making sure comprehensive evaluations and informed decision-making. These tools allow agents to access and analyze external data sources, making sure comprehensive evaluations and informed decision-making. Frameworks: Platforms such as Langflow, Langchain, and Crew AI provide developers with the resources needed to build and customize triage AI systems, allowing them to meet specific organizational needs. These technologies collectively empower triage AI agents to deliver consistent and reliable performance across a variety of use cases. Why Triage AI Agents Matter The adoption of triage AI agents offers several significant benefits that address common challenges in modern workflows: Speed: By automating the prioritization and routing of tasks, these systems minimize delays and improve response times, making sure that critical issues are addressed without unnecessary lag. By automating the prioritization and routing of tasks, these systems minimize delays and improve response times, making sure that critical issues are addressed without unnecessary lag. Consistency: Automated decision-making eliminates human biases, making sure uniform and objective task prioritization across all operations. Automated decision-making eliminates human biases, making sure uniform and objective task prioritization across all operations. Scalability: Triage AI agents can handle increasing volumes of tasks without compromising performance, making them ideal for organizations experiencing growth or managing high workloads. By addressing these challenges, triage AI agents enhance operational efficiency and deliver measurable improvements across industries. Their ability to adapt to evolving demands ensures their long-term relevance and value. The Future of Triage AI Agents As digital transformation continues to accelerate, triage AI agents are poised to become an integral part of workflow automation. Their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and adapt to changing requirements ensures their utility across a wide range of applications. In the future, these agents are expected to play an even more critical role in intelligent decision-making, helping organizations navigate complex challenges with greater ease. By using advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, triage AI agents will continue to redefine task management, offering scalable, consistent, and efficient solutions to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world. Media Credit: IBM Technology Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Shocking reason your protein powder could be TOXIC
Protein powders have become a wellness staple - the go-to answer for everything from building muscle to 'getting enough protein.' But despite their popularity, these powdered supplements may not be as healthy or safe as we think. In fact, one medical expert says they could be doing more harm than good - and in some cases, manufacturers don't even know what's in them. 'I can tell you for a fact that advertised vs. actual amounts varied wildly,' Dr. Khameinei Ali, an MD who also happens to be an MBA (Cambridge), MPH (Harvard), President of the Westchester County Medical Society, and a board certified clinical informaticist, told Before medical school, he even worked as an analytical chemist for the Department of Defense, analyzing over-the-counter supplements for accuracy. His biggest concern? That protein powder labels aren't telling the full story - and the regulations in place aren't strong enough to protect consumers. 'The main issue with protein powders is that we don't know what's in them or if they contain the advertised amounts,' Dr. Ali said. 'Most importantly, the manufacturers may not know what's in them.' Unlike prescription medications or even standard food products, protein powders fall into a legal gray zone. Dr. Ali explained that these protein powders are regulated mostly by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and only partly by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Plus, they get inspected under much less stringent standards than food and drugs. 'This opens them up to all sorts of misleading labeling and extremely poor industry standards,' Dr. Ali said. Translation: That expensive, vanilla-flavored powder you picked up because it said 'clean' or 'lab-tested'? There's a good chance it was neither. 'There is very little to any independent laboratory verification of contents and authenticity of claims,' he added. 'Unfortunately, that means they could contain all sorts of toxic chemicals and byproducts.' Beyond the risk of inaccurate protein counts, powders derived from whey, soy, or hemp often include extra ingredients you probably didn't sign up for. 'These powders… frequently contain hidden additives, added sugars, and even toxins like heavy metals and BPA - up to 25 times the safe limit according to independent tests,' he said. This raises concerns about long-term safety. If that sounds terrifying, it's because it is - and the lax oversight doesn't help. 'Again, the FDA doesn't regulate them closely, leaving consumers in the dark about what's really in each scoop,' he emphasized. In most cases, it's probably a good idea to ditch the protein powder - especially if you're generally healthy and using protein powder to meet vague fitness goals. The expert advises against using them unless a medical professional tells you to. 'Unless medically supervised - such as for post-surgical healing, cancer recovery, or advanced frailty - I advise sticking to whole food sources like eggs, dairy, legumes, and lean meats in most cases,' Dr. Ali said. And if you have underlying conditions, like kidney disease, the stakes are even higher. 'Toxins aside, people with kidney disease have to monitor their protein intake to prevent further damage,' he said. Until tighter regulations are in place and independent testing becomes standard, your safest bet is to stick with real food. Whole eggs and chicken breast may not come in chocolate flavor, but at least you know what's in them.
