This week the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported that 80% of sunscreens aren't all they're cracked up to be, falling short on either their ability to protect skin from the sun or the safety of the ingredients. Sunscreen makers say this simply isn't true.

Here's what EWG reports: They say that products should be labeled better. In particular, they want products labeled regarding UVA rays, which don't cause sunburns but do still damage the skin. They say this is important because UVA can cause skin cancer. Current labeling with SPF factors only measures the protection from UVB rays, which cause sunburns. The result? You might still be getting skin damage from UVA rays, even though you think you're protected because of the SPF rating.

EWG says that only 15% of the products they tested had "broad spectrum" protection, meaning they protect against UVA and UVB. And they say that the best selling brands of sunscreen were the worst performers in their tests.

Daily Deal for Thursday, May 1, 2008: Save thousands of dollars on melanoma treatments by using inexpensive sunscreen liberally. No-Ad Maximum Sun Block Lotion SPF-45, 16 oz., $8.95 plus shipping, drugsdepot.com.

The American Cancer Society has some sensible precautions you can adopt to reduce the chance of developing skin cancer: avoid exposure during the sunniest part of the day, wear a hat and sleeves, and, of course, use sunscreen. Unfortunately, many of the brand-name sunscreen products are very pricey.

But not all. Consumer Reports recently named No-Ad Maximum Sun Block Lotion SPF-45 as a best buy, as it stands up to comparison with the top brands in performance yet sells at a price that won't tempt you to skimp on its use. The 16 oz. bottle is a good value, although if you can find it in your local pharmacy you might do better than this mail-order price, since shipping will eat up much of the savings. If you can bundle this purchase as part of a $100 order from drugdepot.com, however, shipping is free.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with your sunscreen, unless you like the notion of having a big ugly cancer on the tip of your nose. That's not a good look.