It’s time to screen your sunscreen.
A new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed more than 2,000 SPF products sold in the US, finding that nearly 80% of them failed to meet its criteria for safety, health and effectiveness.
“Wearing any sunscreen is much more important and offers better sun protection for your skin than not applying anything. But not all sunscreens are created equal,” said Dr. David Andrews, acting chief science officer for EWG.
So before you hit the beach, here’s a breakdown of what might be lurking in your sunscreen bottle. Don’t get burned by the sun — or your SPF — this summer.
Tiny particles, big concerns
Spray sunscreens may seem like a no-fuss way to stay protected, but they could come with some hidden risks.
Surveys show most Americans prefer lotion, but aerosol sprays still account for 26% of the US sunscreen market, according to the EWG report.
The organization has raised concerns about the potential risks of inhaling tiny particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two common ingredients in spray sunscreens.
While these minerals effectively provide protection, don’t degrade under the sun, and are generally considered safe, inhaling them can pose respiratory risks.
The small particles are difficult for the lungs to clear, increasing the chances they’ll enter the bloodstream.
There’s another big concern: benzene, a known carcinogen. This chemical was found recently in several aerosol sunscreens, prompting recalls due to its potential health risks.
Short-term exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, drowsiness and even unconsciousness, while long-term exposure could lead to bone marrow damage, anemia and an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia.
Secret smells
The EWG report also sounded alarms about undisclosed fragrances in sunscreens, which leave consumers “in the dark” about what’s really in their products.
The group found that 36% of the sunscreens it reviewed contained fragrance blends, which can include a mix of unlisted scent chemicals. These ingredients might contain allergens, hormone disruptors or even carcinogens — without you even knowing it.
Butyloctyl blues
Americans love a high SPF — in fact, 23% say they buy the highest one they can find. But they might not be getting the extra protection they’re after.
The EWG said that many companies use inactive ingredients like butyloctyl salicylate (BOS) to boost their SPF number. BOS belongs to a family of chemicals that may be linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, especially during pregnancy.
It’s also a cousin of salicylic acid, which can mess with your skin barrier and cause redness, dryness, itchiness and stinging — not the kind of glow you want poolside.
Worse yet, the EWG said that boosters may inflate a product’s SPF values without actually enhancing its protection against the sun’s ultraviolet A or B rays.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Bye, bye oxybenzone
It’s not all bad news.
In 2016, oxybenzone was found in 70% of non-mineral sunscreens. The EWG has reported a sharp decline, with only 9% of products containing it by 2025.
“The shift reflects growing awareness of oxybenzone’s high absorption through the skin and other potential health harms,” the report stated.
Studies have found oxybenzone lingering in breast milk, urine and blood plasma long after sunscreen is applied, indicating it’s absorbed into the body and sticks around long after.
Animal research suggests oxybenzone could mess with the endocrine system, which regulates crucial biological functions like metabolism, growth and reproduction. More studies are needed to confirm whether it poses the same risk in humans.
Oxybenzone is also a common allergen, linked to skin reactions like redness, itching, rashes and in severe cases, allergic contact dermatitis.
Vitamin A’s big fade
Sunscreen manufacturers are also increasingly saying goodbye to vitamin A — also known as retinyl palmitate.
Back in 2010, 41% of sunscreens had it, but today, that number has plummeted to just 2%.
That’s a win for skin, since research shows that vitamin A can break down in the sun, possibly speeding up skin damage instead of protecting against it, according to the EWG.
Which sunscreens are safe?
If you’re in the market for a bottle of sunscreen, the EWG Verified Program has got you covered.
Products with this mark meet stricter safety and effectiveness standards than what’s required by US and European regulators.
To earn the EWG Verified stamp, sunscreens must have full ingredient transparency and be free of harmful substances like toxic chemicals or contaminants. Plus, they must protect against ultraviolet A and B rays.
Over 60 sunscreens, along with more than 60 moisturizers and lip balms with SPF, have earned the EWG Verified seal.
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