It’s time to chat about sunscreen, folks. A recent report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) took a peek at over 2,000 SPF products being peddled in the US, and guess what? Almost 80% of them didn’t quite make the cut when it comes to safety, health, and effectiveness. Dr. David Andrews, the acting chief science officer for EWG, pointed out that slathering on any sunscreen is better than nothing, but not all sunscreens are up to par.
So, before you dash off to the beach, let’s dive into what might be lurking in that sunscreen bottle of yours. Don’t let the sun or your SPF burn you this summer.
**Tiny particles, big worries**
Spray sunscreens might seem like the easy peasy way to shield yourself from the sun, but there could be some sneaky risks attached. Surveys have shown that most Americans prefer lotion, but aerosol sprays still snatch up 26% of the US sunscreen market. EWG has some concerns about inhaling those itty-bitty particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, common ingredients in spray sunscreens. While these minerals do a good job at protecting your skin and don’t break down under the sun, inhaling them could spell trouble for your respiratory system. The tiny particles can linger in your lungs, making it easier for them to sneak into your bloodstream.
**Secret smells and sketchy stuff**
Aside from the particle problem, the EWG report also raised the alarm about undisclosed fragrances in sunscreens. These fragrances keep consumers in the dark about what’s actually in their products. The report found that 36% of the sunscreens they checked out contained fragrance blends with a mix of unlisted scent chemicals. These mystery ingredients could pack allergens, hormone disruptors, or even carcinogens, all without you having a clue.
**Bye-bye, oxybenzone**
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. In 2016, about 70% of non-mineral sunscreens had oxybenzone in them. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has plummeted to a teeny 9%. The decline comes as more folks become aware of oxybenzone’s knack for seeping into your skin and causing some not-so-great health issues.
**Vitamin A’s fade out**
Sunscreen makers are also waving goodbye to vitamin A, known as retinyl palmitate. Back in 2010, 41% of sunscreens rocked this vitamin, but now it’s a mere 2%. Why the change? Research shows that vitamin A can get a bit wonky in the sun, possibly making skin damage worse instead of better.
**Which sunscreens are the real deal?**
If you’re on the hunt for a trustworthy sunscreen, check out the EWG Verified Program. Products with this stamp meet stricter safety and effectiveness standards than what the US and European regulators demand. To earn that EWG Verified seal, sunscreens gotta spill the beans on all their ingredients, steer clear of harmful substances, and shield you from the sun’s UV rays. Over 60 sunscreens and more than 60 moisturizers and lip balms with SPF have snagged the EWG Verified seal.
So, next time you’re browsing the sunscreen aisle, keep your eyes peeled for that EWG seal of approval. Your skin will thank you later.
