As summer nears, a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that only 25% of sunscreens on the U.S. market are both safe and effective. Out of 1,700 products reviewed, many contain potentially harmful ingredients and fail to offer balanced UVA and UVB protection.
Outdated federal regulations allow unsafe products to persist, says EWG's Emily Spilman. Only the FDA classified zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as safe, but many sunscreens still use inadequately tested ingredients.
The FDA has not approved new sunscreen ingredients in over 20 years, leaving U.S. products behind global standards. About 300 sunscreens contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which harms humans and the environment.
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The EWG urges consumers to choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide, avoid high SPF labels, and prefer lotions and sticks over sprays. Sunscreen should be part of a broader sun protection strategy, including protective clothing and avoiding peak sun hours.
The EWG's website lists sunscreens that are safe for daily, recreational, and baby and kid use.