Buyer beware of sunscreens: New report finds few meet safety standards
Buyer beware of sunscreens – As summer approaches, consumers are advised to prepare their sunscreen supplies, yet a majority of available products fall short in delivering both reliable protection and safety. A recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization focused on health and environmental advocacy, reveals that only a fraction of the sunscreens on store shelves meet rigorous safety criteria. This year’s analysis, marking the guide’s 20th anniversary, evaluated 2,784 products and identified just 550—roughly 20%—as effectively and safely shielding against harmful solar radiation.
EWG’s 2026 Sunscreen Guide Reveals a Disappointing 20% Safety Rate
The 2026 Guide to Sunscreens, published on May 19, highlights the need for careful selection among available options. It categorizes the top-performing products, including specialized formulations for infants, children, and adults engaged in outdoor activities. The report also features recommendations for daily-use sunscreens, such as moisturizers with SPF and lip balms with sun protection. To qualify for inclusion, sunscreens must offer comprehensive defense against both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to degrade skin health and contribute to DNA damage.
EWG excludes sprays and powders from its recommendations due to concerns about inhalation risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. While manufacturers often emphasize high SPF values—such as 50+ or 100+—the report challenges the perceived superiority of these claims. It notes that even less expensive sunscreens with SPF 50+ can provide comparable protection, blocking up to 98% of UVB rays, which is only marginally less than products with higher SPF ratings. This suggests that consumers may be overpaying for minimal improvements in effectiveness.
SPF Misleading: Fewer Differences Between High and Moderate Levels
Some sunscreens may exaggerate their SPF claims, according to a peer-reviewed study conducted by EWG scientists. The findings indicate that, on average, these products offer only 25% of the UVA protection and 59% of the UVB protection stated on packaging. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency of labeling practices and the actual benefits consumers receive. The report underscores that SPF levels beyond 50+ do not significantly enhance protection, making it easier for brands to market higher numbers without substantial performance gains.
Retinyl Palmitate: A Concerning Ingredient in Decline
The guide also identifies retinyl palmitate, a derivative of vitamin A, as a potential risk. Although dermatologists recommend it for anti-aging benefits, it may interact negatively with sunlight. Friedman, a senior scientist at EWG, explained that in 2010, about 40% of sunscreens contained retinyl palmitate. Today, that figure has dropped to just 3%, a significant improvement for consumer safety. Despite this reduction, the ingredient remains in a small portion of products, warranting further scrutiny.
“Retinyl palmitate is part of the retinoid family that dermatologists recommend to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging. Those products come with warnings not to expose skin to the sun,” said Friedman. “In 2010, about 40% of products contained retinal palmitate,” Friedman said. “Today that’s dropped down to 3%, which is good news for consumers.”
Mineral-Based Sunscreens Lead the Way
Of the 550 recommended products, 497 are mineral-based, relying on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier against UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, these formulations sit on the skin’s surface rather than penetrating deeper layers, reducing the likelihood of irritation or toxicity. While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were once criticized for their white appearance, modern innovations have largely eliminated this drawback, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
Chemical sunscreens, by contrast, function by absorbing UV radiation through a series of reactions that convert it into heat. For decades, these ingredients were considered safe, but recent research has raised alarms. In 2019, FDA scientists discovered that six commonly used chemicals could enter the bloodstream at unsafe levels after just one day of application. These compounds remained in the blood for several days, with some, like homosalate and oxybenzone, persisting above safety thresholds for over two weeks.
Oxybenzone: A Controversial Chemical with Environmental Consequences
Oxybenzone, one of the most widely used chemicals in sunscreens, has been linked to endocrine disruption, a process that interferes with hormonal systems and can lead to developmental, reproductive, or neurological issues. Studies have shown that it is present in human breast milk, blood, and urine, with one investigation finding it in over 97% of US urine samples. This has prompted regulatory action, including bans in Hawaii, Key West, Florida, the US Virgin Islands, Thailand, and other regions concerned about its environmental impact.
Research highlights oxybenzone’s role in coral bleaching and reef degradation, as well as its potential to cause genetic harm in marine life. The 2026 guide notes that oxybenzone usage has declined from 70% of products in the early 2000s to just 5% today. However, even with this reduction, only 53 chemically based sunscreens are deemed safe, suggesting that some concerns remain.
While the guide acknowledges progress in reducing harmful ingredients, it emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance. Consumers are encouraged to prioritize mineral-based options or select chemical sunscreens that avoid known risks, such as oxybenzone. By doing so, they can balance effectiveness with safety, ensuring their skin remains protected without exposing it to potential long-term harm.
