Latest news with #EWG
Time of India
3 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 'Many sunscreens still fall short,' the EWG warns, 'by offering misleading claims about protection and using outdated formulas—some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns.'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.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Killing Our Roots: How Black Women Pay the Price for Harmful Beauty Trends
Growing up as the only Black girl in my school in London, Ontario, I clung to the beauty rituals passed down through generations—rituals that nourished my hair, my identity, and my sense of belonging. I was surrounded by white girls whose silky hair blew effortlessly in the wind. I longed to look like them. Meanwhile, my hair was thick, coarse, and proudly defied gravity. Still, even though I looked different, my peers were kind. They were genuinely fascinated by the intricate hairstyles my mother created. Every month, she would sit me down and thread my hair using a traditional Ghanaian method known in our language as Ahoma— 'hair threading' in English. She would grease my scalp to keep it from drying out, gently stretching and wrapping my strands into beautifully sculpted styles. I remember the excitement I felt going to school the next day with a new look—how special it felt to be admired, even if I didn't look like everyone else. Ahoma made my hair thick, kept it moisturized, protected my ends, and overall, gave me a full, healthy head of hair. Back then, I didn't realize that those moments were sacred. They were part of a lineage of beauty practices passed down through generations—acts of care, of culture, and of resistance. But now, we're also passing down something else with our hair care rituals - harmful chemicals. A comprehensive analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that nearly 80% of over 4,000 beauty products marketed to Black women contain at least one moderately hazardous ingredient. These products include hair relaxers, skin lighteners, and synthetic braiding hair. Consumer Reports found carcinogens in 10 out 10 of the most popular synthetic hair braiding products marketed to Black women. These products are staples in many beauty routines, but at Ofori, the organization I founded, we work to change that through education, wellness, and community. A post shared via Instagram Hair relaxers, designed to straighten curly hair, have been linked to serious health concerns. These products often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Research indicates that exposure to these chemicals is associated with reproductive health issues, including uterine fibroids and an increased risk of breast and uterine cancers. Despite these risks, hair relaxers remain largely unregulated, leaving consumers vulnerable to their harmful effects. The use of skin-lightening products is another area of concern. These products often contain hazardous substances like corticosteroids and mercury, which can lead to metabolic problems, kidney damage, and nervous system disorders. The pursuit of lighter skin, driven by societal pressures and colourism, has led many Black women to use these dangerous products, often without full awareness of the potential health risks. Braiding is a cherished cultural practice among Black women, symbolizing heritage and identity. However, recent investigations have uncovered that synthetic braiding hair used in these styles may contain harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A study by Consumer Reports found that popular synthetic hair brands contained dangerous substances, posing potential health risks to users. Prolonged or repeated exposure to these chemicals can lead to scalp irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer. The prevalence of these harmful products is deeply intertwined with societal beauty standards that favour Eurocentric features. Racialized beauty norms pressure Black women to alter their natural appearance to conform to Eurocentric ideals of beauty—straight hair, lighter skin, and more 'tame' textures. I didn't fully understand the weight of these norms until I moved as a teenager from London, Ontario to Brampton, Ontario. Suddenly, I was surrounded by more Black girls—something I had longed for—but I was also introduced to a completely different understanding of what it meant to be beautiful as a Black girl. When I moved to Brampton, I thought being surrounded by more Black girls would mean feeling more seen. But instead, I encountered a painful truth: even within our own communities, certain beauty standards were upheld over others. My stepmom teased me for wearing my natural hair. The Ahoma styles that once made me proud were now dismissed as something only 'village girls' wore. I was told that modern girls had relaxed hair or wore long, flowing extensions. This message was completely new to me, but I internalized it quickly. I wanted to fit in so badly. I wanted my hair to fall to my shoulders like everybody else's instead of standing tall and reaching toward the sky. In Grade 9, I wore my first set of single braids with extensions. They were beautiful—I truly loved how they looked. But when I took them out, I was devastated. My hair came out with them. I had lost a significant amount of length. And still, I kept going back to braids, believing what I was told—that they were protective styles, even though I could clearly see the opposite was happening to my own hair. In June of that same school year, I got my first relaxer. I'll never forget the strong smell of the chemicals being mixed, and the burning sensation on my scalp after it was applied. I was told the heat meant the relaxer was 'working,' so I sat through it. After rinsing it out, my scalp felt raw and tender, and I was warned not to wash my hair for at least a week. I developed scabs from the burns. But none of that stopped me. Because I had already absorbed the message: beauty is pain, and this was the price I had to pay to belong. But at what cost? In response to this pressing issue, I have dedicated myself to empowering Black women through education. At Ofori, we specialize in delivering workshops that provide Black women with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about beauty practices, self-confidence, and overall wellness. Our mission is to raise awareness about the long-term health implications of using products like hair relaxers, skin lighteners, and synthetic braiding hair. At Ofori, our workshops help Black women begin to reconnect with themselves through education and community. Participants learn to identify harmful chemicals and explore safer alternatives, celebrating natural beauty. One of the first things we teach is how to read product labels critically. A good rule of thumb: if you can't pronounce the first five ingredients, it's worth researching before applying it to your body. Be especially cautious of ingredients like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and fragrance (often a cover for a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals). These are commonly found in products marketed to Black women, especially in relaxers, braiding hair, and skin lighteners, and have been linked to hormone disruption, scalp damage, and even increased cancer risk. We also help participants understand certifications, clean beauty standards, and how to transition to products that nourish rather than harm their bodies. EWG provides an easy-to-use guide where you can type in the name of any product you use to find out if it contains harmful ingredients. But this isn't just about switching brands—it's about reclaiming agency over our bodies, our health, and our beauty. Our workshops emphasize the importance of holistic wellness, encouraging practices that nurture both the body and mind. We promote self-acceptance and the celebration of natural features, fostering a positive self-image among Black women. We create safe spaces for open discussions about beauty standards, cultural pressures, and personal experiences. These conversations are essential in reshaping narratives and building a supportive community that values authenticity and health over conformity. Through our workshops, we have witnessed transformative changes in participants. Women who once felt compelled to use harmful beauty products have begun embracing their natural hair and skin, not just because it's healthier, but because they now understand the power of doing so. After one of our summits, a woman reached out to me personally. She shared that the information she learned during our sessions had completely changed her life. For years, she had relied on extensions and relaxers. Eventually, she stopped using extensions because the tension on her scalp became unbearable, but she continued relaxing her hair, not realizing the damage it was causing. After attending the summit and being exposed to the science, history, and emotional truths surrounding our beauty practices, she decided to go fully natural. She told me she was finally committed to learning her hair, loving it, and giving it what it actually needs, not what society says it should look like. Loving yourself—and your hair—is a vital and sensitive part of this journey. And knowing that I was able to create a space where that transformation could begin fills me with joy and purpose. By providing education and support, we don't just help individuals—we challenge harmful beauty standards and advocate for systemic change in the beauty industry. The issue of toxic beauty products is not just a personal concern; it's a collective responsibility. We must advocate for stricter ingredient transparency laws, mandatory safety testing, and better regulation of beauty products marketed to women of colour. Consumers should be empowered with knowledge, and manufacturers should be held accountable for the safety of their products. Black women deserve beauty practices that honour, not harm, them. Join us at Ofori, attend a workshop, start the conversation, and choose products with care. Together, we can demand a safer, more inclusive beauty industry that sees, protects, and celebrates us.
CNN
24-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Only one-quarter of sunscreens on store shelves are safe and effective, new report says
Only one fourth of sunscreens on store shelves in the United States deliver safe and effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun, according to an annual report which analyzed more than 2,200 sunscreens available for purchase in 2025. 'Our criteria include the ability of the sunscreen's active ingredients to provide balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as any hazardous chemical ingredients in the product,' said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a consumer organization that has produced the annual sunscreen guide since 2007. Released Tuesday, the 2025 Sunscreen Guide lists the best baby and child sunscreens, including those with the best ' bang for the buck;' highly rated daily use sunscreen s, including moisturizers with SPF; the best lip balms with SPF; and the top recreational sunscreens designed for outdoor activities such as sports or spending time at the beach. 'There are nearly 500 products we are recommending consumers seek out as their first option,' Andrews said. 'We want people to wear sunscreen and at the same time recognize there are other ways to protect their skin as well — seeking shade, wearing wide-brimmed hats, lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants and covering up your feet are very effective ways, especially if you're concerned about sunscreen ingredients.' Choosing not to protect your skin from the sun, an idea promoted by some Tiktok influencers, should not be an option, according to Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, a dermatologic surgeon at Yale School of Medicine. 'Extensive research has shown that UV radiation from the sun is a significant cause of skin cancers such as melanoma. It's really indisputable at this point,' Suozzi told CNN in a prior interview. 'UV radiation has both UVA and UVB, and we know that both of them damage the DNA in skin cells.' Concerns with chemical sunscreens Sunscreens come in two types, chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens are designed to soak into the skin as a chemical reaction absorbs ultraviolet radiation as energy and disperses it as heat. Testing released in 2019 by the US Food and Drug Administration found seven chemical ingredients — avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, ecamsule, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate — were absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream after a single day of use. The concentration of the seven chemicals in the blood increased each day after application and remained above FDA safety levels a week later. Two of the chemicals — homosalate and oxybenzone — were still above safety thresholds at day 21. Once in the bloodstream, these chemicals can enter waterways via wastewater, threatening coral reefs and aquatic life. Due to the increasing devastation of their coral reefs, Hawaii; Key West, Florida; the US Virgin Islands; Bonnaire; Aruba; and Palau, an island in the Pacific, have banned the use of several chemical sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone. Oxybenzone has also been linked to lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys, hormone changes in men, and shorter pregnancies and disrupted birth weights in babies. However, the use of oxybenzone use has fallen dramatically, according to EWG's 2025 Sunscreen Guide. Once in 70% of non-mineral sunscreens, oxybenzone is now in only 9% of products, Andrews said. The Personal Care Products Council, which represents sunscreen manufacturers, disagreed with the report's findings. 'This report sows consumer confusion and poses a serious risk by undermining public trust in products that are scientifically proven, rigorously tested, and highly effective at protecting against harmful UV radiation,' said PCPC chief scientists and executive vice president of science, Alexandra Kowcz, in an email. Safety of mineral-based sunscreens Mineral-based sunscreens work differently. Instead of being absorbed into the skin, the minerals physically deflect and block the sun's rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two FDA-approved mineral sunscreen ingredients, and they do not appear to harm marine ecosystems, Andrews said. 'Of the 2,217 products we tested for this year's report, 43% use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, up from just 17% in 2007,' Andrews said. 'That's good news for consumers and the environment.' However, some mineral products may contain chemical 'boosters' designed to artificially raise the sun protection factor (SPF), the report said. 'Using chemical boosters may result in a lower concentration of active mineral ingredients at the expenses of consumer safety,' Andrews said. 'We want to ensure these sunscreens are providing the SPF advertised on their labels as well as balanced UVA and UVB protection. Some of these boosters, such as the solvent butyloctyl salicylate, or BOS, absorb UV rays much like chemical sunscreen ingredients, Andrews said. 'Yet they're marketed primarily as solvents that improve how a product feels on the skin and reduce the white cast that mineral sunscreens can leave behind,' he said. 'BOS is structurally similar to octisalate, one of 12 chemical sunscreen ingredients the FDA has identified as needing more safety data,' Andrews added. 'However, BOS is not regulated as an active ingredient and hasn't undergone the same level of safety evaluation.' EWG first raised concerns about SPF boosters in an August 2016 letter to then–FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, urging the agency to investigate 'sunscreen ingredients that may enable manufacturers to advertise higher SPF values for their over-the-counter sunscreen products without offering users truly enhanced protection from UVA and UVB rays.' The agency should also investigate any correlation 'between protection from skin reddening, immunosuppression, long-term skin damage and cancer,' the letter said. To date, no action has been taken by the FDA, Andrews said. Additional consumer protection proposed by FDA still in limbo The FDA proposed updated rules for sunscreen safety in 2019. Industry was asked to provide additional testing on 12 sunscreen chemicals of concern, including the seven which FDA testing showed are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. That has yet to be done, Andrews said. The FDA proposal also asked manufacturers to test spray sunscreen products to prove aerosolized chemicals cannot be inhaled into the deep lung — that testing has also not occurred, he said. 'When the FDA tested aerosol cosmetics a few years ago, they found some products did have very small particle sizes that could be inhaled in the deep lung and lead to possible health harms,' Andrews said. 'The same concern applies to spray sunscreens.' According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, inhalation of such particles can cause serious health effects in individuals at greatest risk, such as 'people with heart or lung disease, people with diabetes, older adults and children (up to 18 years of age).' Yet aerosol sunscreens remain popular among consumers — 26% of the sunscreens tested were sprays — despite potential inhalation risks and the difficulty of providing even and adequate coverage with a spray, Andrews said. 'An Australian study found that even under light breeze conditions of say, 6- to 10-miles-an-hour, a significant portion of an aerosol sunscreen just blows away,' he said. 'I was at a soccer game last weekend, and when someone sprayed sunscreen, I felt like it went over the entire field. I'm not convinced they got any sunscreen on themselves.' The FDA also called for a cap of 60 SPF on sunscreen products in the 2019 proposal, saying any benefit over 60 is extremely minor. Therefore labeling sunscreens at levels higher than 60 SPF could be misleading consumers by providing a false sense of sun protection, the FDA said. That too, has not been accomplished, and consumers continue to spend money on these products, Andrews said. 'One of the primary drivers of consumer purchasing is the highest SPF number possible,' he said. 'Consumers are not getting the message that higher SPF values don't offer a clear benefit.' CNN reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, for comment but did not hear back before publication.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan "Just wash your hair--and it'll look thicker."
The K-beauty shampoo developed by a world-renowned scientist from MIT has become a hot topic following its launch on Taiwan's Momo Home Shopping channel Clinically proven: one use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27% 100% vegan formula, Dermatest "Excellent" rating, eco-friendly packaging—epitomizing clean beauty TAIPEI and SEOUL, South Korea, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Korean hair loss care brand Grabity, co-developed by world-renowned MIT scientist Professor Haeshin Lee and researchers from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), officially launched in Taiwan on May 22 through Momo TV Shopping, where it received an explosive response—selling out mostly during its debut broadcast. The live show aired at 8 PM on the 22nd, hosted by Sharon Tsui, a prominent Momo TV Shopping personality. Tsui emphasized the product's scientific backing throughout the segment. The entire stock exhausted shortly in record time, and both Momo's website and customer service center were soon overwhelmed with restock inquiries. Grabity Shampoo features a high concentration of KAIST's patented active ingredient, LiftMax 308™, a polyphenol-based complex that forms a protective barrier on hair strands to reduce damage. Clinical trials have proven that a single use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27%. Its delivery and sustained-release mechanisms were published in the peer-reviewed international journal Advanced Materials Interfaces, offering strong scientific validation. Grabity is formulated with a 100% vegan blend using EWG Grade 1 ingredients and has earned an Excellent rating from Germany's Dermatest, fully aligning with the rising global demand for clean beauty. The shampoo is also packaged in sustainable containers made from recycled coconut shells. Since its launch in Korea just one year ago, Grabity has become a runaway hit—recording over 1.2 million units sold and KRW20 billion (approx. USD15M) in cumulative sales. It famously sold out in just 39 minutes at Korea's top H&B store Olive Young, with resale prices reaching up to five times retail. Its rapid sellout in Taiwan is seen as a strong signal for further expansion across Asia's premium beauty market. A Momo TV Shopping spokesperson stated, "Grabity is the perfect global partner, offering functionality, a compelling brand story, and a commitment to sustainability. We look forward to bringing more world-class brands to Taiwanese consumers." About Polyphenol FactoryPolyphenol Factory was founded in 2023 as a startup by faculty members of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). With a team of world-class scientists and young innovators, the company is commercializing cutting-edge technologies derived from natural polyphenols. With the vision of "innovating everyday life through science," Polyphenol Factory is driving new waves of change in the global market. Press Contact:Anna Leeyimijin@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Polyphenol Factory
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Scientists issue urgent warning about certain sunscreens: ‘Potential health harms'
It's time to screen your sunscreen. A new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed more than 2,000 SPF products sold in the US, finding that nearly 80% of them failed to meet its criteria for safety, health and effectiveness. 'Wearing any sunscreen is much more important and offers better sun protection for your skin than not applying anything. But not all sunscreens are created equal,' said Dr. David Andrews, acting chief science officer for EWG. Advertisement 5 Many Americans use sunscreen sporadically, often only during the summer months. wavebreak3 – So before you hit the beach, here's a breakdown of what might be lurking in your sunscreen bottle. Don't get burned by the sun — or your SPF — this summer. Tiny particles, big concerns Spray sunscreens may seem like a no-fuss way to stay protected, but they could come with some hidden risks. Surveys show most Americans prefer lotion, but aerosol sprays still account for 26% of the US sunscreen market, according to the EWG report. Advertisement The organization has raised concerns about the potential risks of inhaling tiny particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two common ingredients in spray sunscreens. While these minerals effectively provide protection, don't degrade under the sun, and are generally considered safe, inhaling them can pose respiratory risks. The small particles are difficult for the lungs to clear, increasing the chances they'll enter the bloodstream. Advertisement 5 Many sunscreens contain undisclosed ingredients, including allergens. Antonioguillem – There's another big concern: benzene, a known carcinogen. This chemical was found recently in several aerosol sunscreens, prompting recalls due to its potential health risks. Short-term exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, drowsiness and even unconsciousness, while long-term exposure could lead to bone marrow damage, anemia and an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia. Secret smells Advertisement The EWG report also sounded alarms about undisclosed fragrances in sunscreens, which leave consumers 'in the dark' about what's really in their products. The group found that 36% of the sunscreens it reviewed contained fragrance blends, which can include a mix of unlisted scent chemicals. These ingredients might contain allergens, hormone disruptors or even carcinogens — without you even knowing it. Butyloctyl blues Americans love a high SPF — in fact, 23% say they buy the highest one they can find. But they might not be getting the extra protection they're after. 5 High SPF labels could provide consumers with a false sense of security. Lyalya Go – The EWG said that many companies use inactive ingredients like butyloctyl salicylate (BOS) to boost their SPF number. BOS belongs to a family of chemicals that may be linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, especially during pregnancy. It's also a cousin of salicylic acid, which can mess with your skin barrier and cause redness, dryness, itchiness and stinging — not the kind of glow you want poolside. Worse yet, the EWG said that boosters may inflate a product's SPF values without actually enhancing its protection against the sun's ultraviolet A or B rays. Advertisement The Food and Drug Administration recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Bye, bye oxybenzone It's not all bad news. In 2016, oxybenzone was found in 70% of non-mineral sunscreens, but the EWG has reported a sharp decline, with only 9% of products containing it by 2025. 'The shift reflects growing awareness of oxybenzone's high absorption through the skin and other potential health harms,' the report stated. Advertisement 5 Sunscreen manufacturers are removing ingredients like oxybenzone due to concerns about potential health risks. (JLco) Julia Amaral – Studies have found oxybenzone lingering in breast milk, urine and blood plasma long after sunscreen is applied, indicating it's absorbed into the body and sticks around long after. Animal research suggests oxybenzone could mess with the endocrine system, which regulates crucial biological functions like metabolism, growth and reproduction. More studies are needed to confirm whether it poses the same risk in humans. Advertisement Oxybenzone is also a common allergen, linked to skin reactions like redness, itching, rashes and in severe cases, allergic contact dermatitis. Vitamin A's big fade Sunscreen manufacturers are also increasingly saying goodbye to vitamin A — also known as retinyl palmitate. Back in 2010, 41% of sunscreens had it, but today, that number has plummeted to just 2%. 5 Vitamin A can increase sun sensitivity, potentially leading to more sun damage. Pattarisara – Advertisement That's a win for your skin, since research shows that vitamin A can break down in the sun, possibly speeding up skin damage instead of protecting against it, according to the EWG. Which sunscreens are safe? If you're in the market for a bottle of sunscreen, the EWG Verified Program has got you covered. Products with this mark meet stricter safety and effectiveness standards than what's required by US and European regulators. To earn the EWG Verified stamp, sunscreens must have full ingredient transparency and be free of harmful substances like toxic chemicals or contaminants. Plus, they must protect against ultraviolet A and B rays. Over 60 sunscreens, along with more than 60 moisturizers and lip balms with SPF, have earned the EWG Verified seal.
