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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 'Many sunscreens still fall short,' the EWG warns, 'by offering misleading claims about protection and using outdated formulas—some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns.'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.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Norwex Strengthens Executive Leadership with Appointment of Beate Hjeltnes as CEO
Hjeltnes will build on three decades of experience to advance the family-owned brand's mission and legacy globally DALLAS, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ -- Norwex, a global leader in sustainable innovation, today announced the appointment of Beate Hjeltnes as CEO. Hjeltnes, the daughter of Norwex Founder Bjørn Nicolaisen, brings nearly 30 years of experience with the company and a deep expertise in the financial sector to the role, along with an unwavering commitment to its Consultant-first business model and its wider mission of helping people live a cleaner, safer and better life. As CEO, Hjeltnes will continue to strengthen her commitment to Norwex's direct selling model, expanding and supporting the brand's family of Consultants across the globe. At a time of change in the direct selling industry, she firmly believes in the power of the Consultants to create a community of kindness, integrity, trust, and respect, all core values to Norwex's mission. "It's an honor to step into the role of CEO and continue growing a company that has been part of my family's story for decades," said Hjeltnes. "Norwex was founded by my father on a deep love for nature, and that passion was instilled in me from a young age. As I begin this next chapter, I'm focused on ensuring every decision we make uplifts our Consultants – the true custodians of our mission – ensuring that we're all moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable world." Since its founding in 1994, Norwex has remained debt-free and family owned. The company continues to lead the way in sustainable innovation, setting a new standard for clean living through its pioneering "No-No List," which bans over 2,700 harmful ingredients from its products. Additionally, Norwex recently advanced its commitment to environmental responsibility through a partnership with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bringing the trusted EWG Verified™ mark to a growing collection of Norwex products. "Beate and I have shared a journey that spans decades, and in that time, I've seen her lead with heart, conviction, and a deep sense of purpose," said Debbie Bolton, Co-Founder of Norwex. "She shares her father's vision for a cleaner, more sustainable world which aligns beautifully with everything Norwex stands for, and I couldn't be more excited to see where her leadership takes us next." For more information on Norwex, visit the brand's Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube pages. Founded in Norway in 1994, Norwex is a home, personal and family care direct selling company committed to reducing harmful chemicals in everyday lives. More than 2,700 substances are banned from the Company's stringent product development process. From sustainable cleaning products featuring all-purpose microfiber cloths to plant-based skin care, Norwex's innovative solutions set the standard for a cleaner, safer, better way of living.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Norwex Strengthens Executive Leadership with Appointment of Beate Hjeltnes as CEO
Hjeltnes will build on three decades of experience to advance the family-owned brand's mission and legacy globally DALLAS, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ -- Norwex, a global leader in sustainable innovation, today announced the appointment of Beate Hjeltnes as CEO. Hjeltnes, the daughter of Norwex Founder Bjørn Nicolaisen, brings nearly 30 years of experience with the company and a deep expertise in the financial sector to the role, along with an unwavering commitment to its Consultant-first business model and its wider mission of helping people live a cleaner, safer and better life. As CEO, Hjeltnes will continue to strengthen her commitment to Norwex's direct selling model, expanding and supporting the brand's family of Consultants across the globe. At a time of change in the direct selling industry, she firmly believes in the power of the Consultants to create a community of kindness, integrity, trust, and respect, all core values to Norwex's mission. "It's an honor to step into the role of CEO and continue growing a company that has been part of my family's story for decades," said Hjeltnes. "Norwex was founded by my father on a deep love for nature, and that passion was instilled in me from a young age. As I begin this next chapter, I'm focused on ensuring every decision we make uplifts our Consultants – the true custodians of our mission – ensuring that we're all moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable world." Since its founding in 1994, Norwex has remained debt-free and family owned. The company continues to lead the way in sustainable innovation, setting a new standard for clean living through its pioneering "No-No List," which bans over 2,700 harmful ingredients from its products. Additionally, Norwex recently advanced its commitment to environmental responsibility through a partnership with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bringing the trusted EWG Verified™ mark to a growing collection of Norwex products. "Beate and I have shared a journey that spans decades, and in that time, I've seen her lead with heart, conviction, and a deep sense of purpose," said Debbie Bolton, Co-Founder of Norwex. "She shares her father's vision for a cleaner, more sustainable world which aligns beautifully with everything Norwex stands for, and I couldn't be more excited to see where her leadership takes us next." For more information on Norwex, visit the brand's Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube pages. About Norwex Founded in Norway in 1994, Norwex is a home, personal and family care direct selling company committed to reducing harmful chemicals in everyday lives. More than 2,700 substances are banned from the Company's stringent product development process. From sustainable cleaning products featuring all-purpose microfiber cloths to plant-based skin care, Norwex's innovative solutions set the standard for a cleaner, safer, better way of living. To purchase Norwex's home care, family care and personal care products, visit or follow Norwex (@norwex) on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Norwex View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
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.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Only 1 in 4 Sunscreens Actually Works, New Report Says
Just in time for summer, a new report is sounding the alarm on what's really in your sunscreen—and it's not all good. Only 25% of sunscreens currently sold in the U.S. meet safety and effectiveness standards, according to the 2025 Sunscreen Guide released by the Environmental Working Group. After analyzing more than 2,200 products, researchers found that most offered either inadequate UVA/UVB protection or contained questionable chemical ingredients that absorb into the bloodstream. Among the biggest red flags is the presence of chemical filters like oxybenzone and homosalate, which have been linked to hormone disruption, lower testosterone in adolescent boys, and even shorter pregnancies. Although the use of oxybenzone has dropped from 70% of non-mineral sunscreens to 9% since 2007, some chemical additives remain unregulated or untested. 'There are nearly 500 products we recommend, but the majority still fall short,' said David Andrews, the group's acting chief science sunscreens, which are those using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are a safer bet. Unlike chemical versions, they sit on the skin's surface and deflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. They're also reef-safe and less likely to trigger systemic exposure concerns. Still, some mineral sunscreens use chemical 'boosters' to artificially inflate SPF values without improving broad-spectrum coverage. Spray sunscreens also pose issues. The FDA has warned about the risks of inhaling aerosol particles deep into the lungs, particularly for kids, seniors, and those with underlying conditions. Yet spray products still make up more than a quarter of sunscreen sales. And that sky-high SPF number? Don't be fooled. The FDA has proposed capping SPF claims at 60, citing diminishing returns and a false sense of security above that everyone agrees with this sunscreen report, though. CNN reported that The Personal Care Products Council chief scientist and executive vice president of science, Alexandra Kowcz, wrote, "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." Bottom line: check your labels and reapply often. Because when it comes to protecting your skin, the fine print matters more than the number on the bottle.
