Selecting the right sunscreen has become increasingly challenging, given the many options flooding the market, each claiming to offer optimal protection against harmful sun rays. However, recent analysis reveals that the majority of sunscreens contain chemicals that still require evaluation for safety and effectiveness by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[1] This article explores the report’s findings, highlighting the importance of choosing safe and effective sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection without potentially harmful ingredients.
The Current State of Sunscreens
According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit consumer advocacy group, only 25% of sunscreens on the market offer good broad-spectrum protection without using troublesome chemical ingredients.[1] This statistic raises concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of most sunscreens available to consumers.
Positive Developments in Sunscreen Formulations
Despite these concerns, there is encouraging news in the 2023 EWG report. It indicates a decline in the use of oxybenzone, an ultraviolet ray blocker commonly found in sunscreens. Oxybenzone has been associated with health risks and coral reef destruction. In 2019, the EWG found oxybenzone in 60% of the tested sunscreen products, but by 2022, this number dropped to 30%, and in the current year, it was found in only 6% of the tested products.[2] This reduction in oxybenzone usage reflects a growing awareness among consumers and manufacturers regarding certain sunscreen ingredients’ environmental and health impacts.
Best Sunscreens for Different Uses
The EWG’s 17th Annual Guide to Safer Sunscreens assessed and ranked over 1,700 sunscreen products based on safety and effectiveness. The report categorized the best sunscreens for various purposes, including recreational and beach applications, babies and children, and daily use. The EWG identified a range of products within each category that met their safety and effectiveness criteria.
Evaluation Criteria for Sunscreens
The ranking of the products was based on a scale of one to ten, with one being the best and ten being the worst, in four major categories. These categories included the level of UVB and UVA protection provided separately, the balance between the two types of security, and the stability of the active ingredients, including their tendency to break down in sunlight or react with other ingredients, rendering them less effective.
The Role of Mineral Ingredients
The FDA recognizes two types of mineral ingredients, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, as safe and effective for sunscreens. Previously, critics criticized mineral sunscreens for leaving a white, chalky residue on the skin. However, newer formulations have addressed this issue, making them a viable alternative. Mineral sunscreens work by physically deflecting and blocking the sun’s rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UVB rays and release heat as they break down.[3] Additionally, mineral ingredients are considered less harmful to the environment.
The EWG Verification Program
The EWG has expanded its verification program to include sunscreens to instill confidence in consumers. Manufacturers who meet the stringent guidelines for safety and effectiveness can display the EWG mark of approval on their labels. Brands with twelve products have received the EWG mark, and the program is expected to continue growing. All fees for the verification program contribute to the scientific research conducted by the EWG.
Conclusion
Choosing a sunscreen that offers effective broad-spectrum protection is crucial for safeguarding the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The Environmental Working Group’s 17th Annual Guide to Safer Sunscreens provides valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of
various sunscreen options. By opting for sunscreens that have passed the EWG’s verification program and understanding the importance of broad-spectrum protection, SPF, and complementary sun protection practices, individuals can enjoy the sun responsibly while minimizing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
It’s important to remember that sun safety is a comprehensive approach that involves combining multiple strategies. Along with choosing the right sunscreen, individuals should seek shade whenever possible, wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, and practice sun safety year-round, not just during the summer months. UV rays can still be harmful even on cloudy or cooler days, so making sun protection a part of daily routine is crucial.
In conclusion, the limited availability of sunscreens that offer both safety and effectiveness highlights the need for informed consumer choices. The Environmental Working Group’s research provides valuable guidance in identifying sunscreens that meet stringent criteria. By prioritizing skin health and adopting a comprehensive approach to sun protection, individuals can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the potential risks associated with sun exposure.
References:
- Sunscreens, EWG’s Guide to. “Sunscreen Guide – Rated by Scientists.” EWG,www.ewg.org/sunscreen/.
- “Dramatic Decline: Oxybenzone Use Plummets to Only 13 Percent of Non-Mineral Sunscreens.” Environmental Working Group, 1 June 2023,www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/05/dramatic-decline-oxybenzone-use-plummets-only-13-percent-non.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Molly Adams. “Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen: Which Should You Choose?” MD Anderson Cancer Center, 30 June 2022,www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/is-mineral-sunscreen-better-than-chemical-sunscreen.h00-159540534.html.