Latest news with #2025AnnualGuidetoSunscreens
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Is your sunscreen really protecting you? A new report reveals alarming truths behind that SPF label
As temperatures rise and beaches fill, most of us reach for the familiar tube of sunscreen, trusting it to be our shield against the sun's wrath. But a startling new report suggests that this trust may be misplaced. According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens , a staggering majority of products lining U.S. store shelves may not be offering the protection they promise. In fact, fewer than one in four of the 2,200 SPF products evaluated met the organization's criteria for safety and effectiveness. Misleading Labels and Murky Regulations The report casts a harsh light on sunscreen manufacturers and regulatory bodies alike, accusing them of misleading claims and failure to update decades-old standards. Since 1999, federal sunscreen regulations have remained largely unchanged, leaving consumers at the mercy of marketing jargon and obscure ingredient lists. 'Many sunscreens still fall short,' the EWG warns, 'by offering misleading claims about protection and using outdated formulas—some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns.' Among the biggest culprits? Aerosol sprays, which make up 26% of all SPF products in 2025. Although the FDA proposed safety testing for these in 2019 due to inhalation risks and patchy application, it has yet to finalize these rules. Between 2021 and 2023, multiple sunscreen sprays were recalled due to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen—yet the market remains flooded with these popular but problematic products. The Fragrance Trap Another eyebrow-raising concern: undisclosed 'fragrances.' The report reveals that 36% of sunscreen products containing unspecified fragrance ingredients actually hide a cocktail of allergens, hormone disruptors, and even carcinogens. A 2022 federal law mandated the FDA to outline clear guidelines on fragrance allergens by July 2024. But as of May 2025, no such guidelines have been proposed. EWG attributes the delay to regulatory staffing shortages under the Trump administration, further complicating consumer safety efforts. Until transparency improves, the organization urges consumers to seek fragrance-free sunscreens or those bearing the EWG Verified® mark, which signifies ingredient clarity and the absence of harmful additives. The Fall of Oxybenzone and Vitamin A Some silver linings have emerged. Once a common ingredient in non-mineral sunscreens, oxybenzone has seen a dramatic fall from 70% usage in 2016 to just 9% in 2025. The compound is flagged not only for disrupting hormones but also for damaging marine ecosystems—a serious double threat. Vitamin A (often listed as retinyl palmitate) is another ingredient on the decline, found in only 2% of sunscreens today, down from 41% in 2010. Despite its skin-nourishing reputation, Vitamin A can degrade in sunlight, potentially worsening skin damage rather than preventing it. iStock Experts now urge consumers to opt for fragrance-free, mineral-based options and reapply frequently for real protection. (Representational Image: iStock) The Safer Path to Sun Protection So, what should a sunscreen-savvy shopper do in this minefield of misleading products? The EWG guide doesn't just criticize—it also educates. The top advice includes not falling for high SPF labels, which often give a false sense of security. Products boasting SPF 50+ may only offer marginally better protection than SPF 30, while encouraging users to stay in the sun longer than is safe. The guide recommends lotion or stick sunscreens over sprays, choosing mineral-based formulas with ingredients like zinc oxide, and using physical barriers like hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing. And perhaps most importantly: reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating. Sun safety is about more than what's in the bottle. With skin cancer rates rising, knowing what goes on your skin—and into your body—has never been more crucial. This summer, before you bask in the glow of sunshine, take a closer look at what you're trusting to guard your skin. The truth behind your SPF might not be as radiant as you think.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Misleading claims, outdated formulas: Most sunscreens fail to fully protect, report says
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.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. 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. 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. 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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fewer than 1 in 4 sunscreen products are fully safe, effective: Report
