Misleading claims, outdated formulas: Most sunscreens fail to fully protect, report says

USA Today

21-05-2025

Misleading claims, outdated formulas: Most sunscreens fail to fully protect, report says
A new report is shining a light on the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen products sold in U.S. stores.
The Environmental Working Group published its 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens, finding that fewer than one in four SPF products met its criteria. The health research organization evaluated more than 2,200 products and found that fewer than 500 effectively protect a user's skin.
The report also shared insight into what it says are shortfalls within federal sunscreen regulations and the deceptive marketing practices by corporations.
"Many sunscreens still fall short by offering misleading claims about protection, using outdated formulas, some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns," the 2025 guide says. "Federal sunscreen rules have remained largely unchanged since 1999, leaving consumers to navigate products with uncertainty."
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed new aerosol-testing requirements for spray sunscreens to address concerns of inhalation risks and uneven application but never finalized them, according to the report.
Despite sprays representing 26% of all SPF products in 2025, the report warns the inhalation risk is still prevalent. There were multiple recalls regarding benzene contamination between 2021 to 2023.
Undisclosed fragrances sunscreens among report's concerns
The report also warned against products with an undisclosed "fragrance," revealing that 36% of said products this year included allergens, hormone disruptors and carcinogens.
In 2022, a federal law required the FDA to develop guidelines for disclosing fragrance allergens in certain SPF products by July 2024, the report stated. Yet no proposal has been shared as of May, with the Environmental Working Group warning that recent staffing shortages enforced by the Trump Administration may further slow the process.
The FDA did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment late Tuesday.
"In the meantime, (the Environmental Working Group) continues to urge consumers to choose fragrance-free sunscreens or those carrying the EWG Verified® mark, which guarantees ingredient transparency and the absence of harmful fragrance chemicals," the guide reads.
Report critics oxybenzone and Vitamin A
The report also noted a decline in sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone and Vitamin A, amid growing awareness surrounding the safety and effectiveness of both.
The high-skin absorption of oxybenzone in non-mineral sunscreens poses several health concerns like hormones disruption and is harmful for aquatic and marine ecosystems, the report stated. In 2016, oxybenzone was used in 70% of non-mineral sunscreens. Now that number is at 9%.
Research shows that Vitamin A in SPF products can degrade in sunlight, possibly worsening skin damage more than not wearing sunscreen, according to the working group. Only 2% of SPF products currently contain Vitamin A, typically in the form of retinyl palmitate, a significant decline compared to 41% in 2010.
Big tips for sunscreen use
The 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report offered the following advice for sunscreen users hoping to stay safe from harmful sun rays and avoid the risk of skin cancer.
Don't fall for high SPF labels
Remember to reapply often
Choose lotions and sticks over sprays
Avoid ingredients of concern and look for mineral products with zinc oxide
Use EWG's list of top-rated sunscreens and the EWG Verified mark to find the products that work best for you
Wear clothing, hats, and sunglasses for additional sun protection
Avoid the sun during peak hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage
Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure
Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety
To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.