Only 20% of Sunscreens Meet Safety Standards. What to Know Before You Buy

**Protect Yourself from the Sun with Safe and Effective Sunscreen** Sun protection is crucial, especially during the summer months. However, not all sunscreens are created equal.

**Protect Yourself from the Sun with Safe and Effective Sunscreen**

Sun protection is crucial, especially during the summer months. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. According to a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), only about 20% of sunscreens meet leading safety and efficacy standards.

While mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer, it's essential to remember that the best sunscreen is one you use consistently and reapply regularly. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50, proper application, and regular reapplication are key to effective sun protection.

The EWG evaluates products based on five factors related to ingredient hazard and efficacy in providing sun protection:

• Health hazards
• UVB (ultraviolet B) protection
• UVA (ultraviolet A) protection
• Balance of UVA and UVB protection
• Sunscreen stability, or how quickly ingredients break down in the sun

Don't rely solely on sunscreen for sun protection. Combine it with other measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.

**Expert Insights**

We spoke to Tanya Evans, MD, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the Skin Cancer Program at the Melanoma Clinic at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. "Sunscreen is still one of the most effective tools we have to reduce sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer risk, including melanoma," she said.

"The main message should not be to avoid sunscreen, but instead to choose and use sunscreen wisely." Dr. Evans emphasized the importance of selecting a high-quality sunscreen that meets your individual needs.

**Sunscreen Regulatory Gaps and Industry Responses**

There have been no fully approved new UV-blocking ingredients for sunscreen since 1999. This has led to concerns about the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens in the US market.

The FDA proposed classifying bemotrizinol as a safe and effective sunscreen ingredient in late 2025, which would be the first time in decades that a new filter was allowed in U.S. markets.

**Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen**

Paul Banwell, a cosmetic surgeon and skin cancer specialist, noted that awareness about sunscreen ingredients is growing. "Mineral sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sit on the skin to physically reflect UV rays away," he explained.

"Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat." Dr. Banwell emphasized that neither type of sunscreen is inherently "good" or "bad," but rather, individual skin types may tolerate one better than the other.

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