Buyer beware of sunscreens: New report finds few meet safety standards

Buyer Beware of Sunscreens: New Report Finds Few Meet Safety Standards

Buyer beware of sunscreens – As summer approaches, consumers are advised to prioritize sunscreen in their daily routines. However, a recent annual report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit health and environmental advocacy organization, warns that most products on store shelves fall short of providing safe and effective sun protection. Published on May 19, the 2026 Guide to Sunscreens evaluated 2,784 items and identified only 550—approximately 20%—as offering adequate defense against harmful solar radiation. This underscores the need for careful selection when purchasing sunscreen, as not all products on the market are equally reliable.

Expanded Coverage of Sunscreen Categories

The report offers a detailed breakdown of sunscreen options tailored to different needs. It highlights the top-rated products for children, including those that are cost-effective and suitable for daily use. Additionally, the guide provides recommendations for recreational sunscreens designed for activities like sports or beach outings. For everyday use, it also includes moisturizers with SPF and lip balms with sun protection. These categories reflect the EWG’s effort to address diverse consumer requirements while emphasizing safety and efficacy.

To earn a recommendation, sunscreens must protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to damage DNA and accelerate skin aging. Sprays and powders are excluded from the analysis due to potential inhalation risks. The report also criticizes marketing claims, such as “waterproof” or “over 50+ SPF,” which are not always backed by rigorous evidence. Despite their higher price tags, these products may not offer significantly better protection than cheaper alternatives.

SPF Inflation and Its Implications

A peer-reviewed study conducted by EWG scientists revealed that many sunscreens overstate their UVA protection. On average, products deliver only 25% of the UVA defense claimed on their labels, while UVB protection averages 59%. This discrepancy suggests that SPF numbers may be misleading, with some products inflating their ratings to attract buyers. For instance, the report notes that a budget-friendly sunscreen with SPF 50+ can block nearly 98% of UVB rays, comparable to more expensive options with SPF 100+.

Consumers often equate higher SPF with greater safety, but the study challenges this assumption. The EWG argues that beyond SPF 50+, the incremental protection is minimal. This finding encourages users to focus on broader sun protection factors rather than chasing the highest SPF number. The report also highlights that the term “waterproof” is misleading, as no sunscreen is truly waterproof, and its effectiveness diminishes over time with sweat or water exposure.

Chemical vs. Mineral-Based Sunscreens

Of the 550 products recommended by the EWG, 497 are mineral-based, relying on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically deflect UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin and convert UV radiation into heat, mineral options sit on the surface and create a barrier against sunlight. This makes them less likely to cause irritation or toxicity, especially for sensitive skin.

Mineral sunscreens have historically been associated with a chalky, white appearance. However, modern formulations have addressed this issue with tinted versions and improved textures, making them more user-friendly. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for use in sunscreens, but the report notes that these ingredients were once criticized for their visible residue. Today, advancements in technology have largely eliminated this concern, enhancing consumer appeal.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The report also emphasizes the health risks linked to chemical sunscreens. In 2019, FDA scientists discovered that six commonly used ingredients could enter the bloodstream after a single day of application. These chemicals, including homosalate and oxybenzone, remained detectable in the blood for days following use. Notably, homosalate and oxybenzone were found in over 97% of US urine samples, indicating widespread exposure.

“Retinyl palmitate is part of the retinoid family that dermatologists recommend to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging,” said Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist at the EWG. “Yet, these products come with warnings to avoid sun exposure.” Friedman pointed out that retinyl palmitate was present in about 40% of sunscreens in 2010 but has since dropped to just 3% in 2026. This reduction is a positive trend for consumers, reducing potential health risks associated with the ingredient.

Among the health concerns, oxybenzone stands out. The chemical is classified as an endocrine disrupter, which can interfere with hormone function and lead to developmental, reproductive, neurological, or immune issues. Studies have shown that oxybenzone is found in breast milk, blood, and urine, raising questions about its long-term effects. While it’s not banned in the US, it has been prohibited in several locations, including Hawaii, Key West, Florida, the US Virgin Islands, and Thailand, due to its environmental impact.

Oxybenzone’s role in harming marine ecosystems is a critical factor in its regulation. Research has linked the chemical to coral bleaching and reef death, as well as genetic damage in marine life. The 2026 guide notes that the percentage of sunscreens containing oxybenzone has declined from 70% to just 5% over the past 19 years, reflecting a growing shift toward safer alternatives. However, even with this improvement, the guide recommends only 53 chemically based sunscreens, indicating that many chemical products still contain concerning ingredients.

Industry Response and Consumer Guidance

The Personal Care Products Council, which represents the sunscreen industry, responded to the report by stating that it questions the methodology used to determine which products are “safe” and “effective.” They argue that the report’s criteria may be overly strict and that chemical sunscreens are still a viable option when used correctly. Nonetheless, the EWG’s findings highlight the importance of transparency in labeling and the need for consumers to scrutinize product ingredients.

For those seeking the safest options, the report recommends mineral-based sunscreens with high UVA and UVB protection. These products avoid retinyl palmitate and other chemicals suspected of causing cancer, skin irritation, allergic reactions, or reproductive harm. While mineral sunscreens may be more expensive, the guide includes “bang for the buck” options that balance affordability with safety. This approach empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on scientific data rather than marketing hype.

As the report makes clear, the journey to finding effective sunscreens requires more than just looking at SPF numbers. It involves understanding the differences between UVA and UVB protection, evaluating ingredient lists, and considering both health and environmental impacts. With the 2026 guide, consumers now have a resource to navigate the complexities of sunscreen choices and ensure their protection aligns with proven safety standards.