Evidence Is Mounting That Sunscreen
Is Dangerous For Your Health
In a new investigation of 785 name-brand sunscreens, an Environmental
Working Group (EWG) found widespread evidence that many products
on the market are not safe and effective, including one of every
eight high-SPF sunscreens that does not protect from UVA radiation.
They have also identified 130 products that offer very good sun
protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks
to users. Full
list of best and worst.
More people than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn
and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with
high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad
spectrum" protection. Most people trust that the claims on the
bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health
and their families'. Nothing could be less certain.
- Comprehensive scientific reviews indicate that 83% of 785
sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun,
or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.
Only 17% of the products on the market are both safe and effective,
blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight,
and containing few if any ingredients with significant known
or suspected health hazards. The assessment is based on a review
of nearly 400 scientific studies, industry models of sunscreen
efficacy, and toxicity and regulatory information housed in
nearly 60 government, academic, and industry databases.
- Many products lack UVA protection. Fully 12% of high
SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn
(UVB radiation), and do not contain ingredients known to protect
from UVA radiation, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging,
immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does
not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.
- Sunscreens break down in the sun. Parodoxically, many
sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun, in a matter of
minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin.
Our analyses show that 54% of products on the market contain
ingredients that may be unstable alone or in combination, raising
questions about whether these products last as long as the label
says. FDA has not proposed requirements for sunscreen stability.
- Questionable product claims are widespread. At least
50% of products on the market bear claims that are considered
"unacceptable" or misleading under sunscreen safety standards.
An analysis of marketing claims on hundreds of sunscreen bottles
shows that false and misleading marketing claims are common.
Claims like "all day protection," "mild as water," and "blocks
all harmful rays" are not true, yet are found on bottles.
- Many sunscreens contain nano-scale ingredients that raise
potential concerns. Micronized and nano-scale zinc oxide
and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection,
and are contained in many top-rated products. Repeated studies
have found that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin,
indicating that consumers' exposures would be minimal. Studies
on other nano-scale materials have raised concerns about their
unique, toxic properties. F
- Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety
concerns. A review of the technical literature shows that
some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are
linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals
in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone
systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions,
and still others may build up in the body or the environment.
After decades of debate, several governments have failed to set
mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make
their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product
quality. The underlying message is that sunscreen applications
are presently carrying risks that far outweigh any benefit to