The Environmental Working Group has released its 16th annual Guide to Safe Sunscreen, finding that about 75 percent of more than 1,850 products evaluated rate poorly for skin protection from the sun, or have ingredients that could be harmful to health or heighten sensitivity to the sun’s harmful rays.
EWG’s guide rates the safety and efficacy of products advertising sun protection, such as recreational sunscreens, daily-use moisturizers with SPF and lip balms with SPF. Only one out of four products reviewed met our standards for adequate protection and did not contain worrisome ingredients like oxybenzone, a potential hormone-disrupting chemical.
“Some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens have been linked to both human and environmental concerns,” said Carla Burns, EWG senior director for cosmetic science. “We slather these ingredients on our skin, but many of these chemicals haven’t been adequately tested. EWG has been advocating for the Food and Drug Administration to review these ingredients for 16 years.”
The guide’s best-scoring safe sunscreens contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both, which have fewer health concerns and offer good sun protection. Zinc oxide is stable in the sun, provides protection from UVA and UVB rays, and offers good broad-spectrum protection. EWG’s list of recommended safe sunscreen includes brands at a range of price points sold across the U.S. at pharmacies and popular retail stores.
Sunscreen Chemicals
The FDA has determined that two active ingredients commonly found in sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are generally safe and effective in protecting the skin from the sun. The agency has asked manufacturers to provide more data about the other active ingredients in sunscreens to show they are safe for use.
Fewer sunscreen products are now made with the active ingredient oxybenzone, which is detected in the body of nearly every American. Oxybenzone is readily absorbed by the body and has been detected in human urine, serum and breast milk, suggesting the developing fetus and newborns may also be exposed to this chemical. EWG found it in 30 percent of non-mineral sunscreens reviewed – down from 60 percent three years ago.
“Despite the known toxicity concerns, oxybenzone is still widely used as a non-mineral active ingredient in sunscreens,” said Burns. “Each year we warn consumers about the health hazards linked to oxybenzone and other potentially harmful ingredients used in sunscreens. It is a skin sensitizer and potential hormone disruptor that may be harmful to both children and adults.
Inadequate UV Protection
In October 2021, EWG scientists in a study used laboratory tests and computer modeling to assess 51 sunscreens with SPF between 15 and 110 and found many offer just a quarter of their stated SPF protection against ultraviolet A rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer.
“Most of the products we tested reduced UV radiation by only half what we expect from looking at the SPF on the label,” said David Andrews, Ph.D., a senior scientist at EWG and lead author of the peer-reviewed research.
“Our study shows that sunscreens are not adequately effective, especially at reducing UVA radiation. And current regulations, which allow inflated SPF values and poor UVA protection, leave consumers vulnerable to harmful sun exposure,” Andrews said.
EWG scientists found sunscreens often fell far short of the claims of protection against UVA rays, which cause aging, immune system harms and greater cancer risks. On average, sunscreens tested in a laboratory, but not on people, provided a meager 24 percent of UVA protection, compared to the labeled SPF value.
Current U.S. regulations and the marketplace promote SPF products that reduce sunburn, instead of sunscreens that provide better broad-spectrum protection. Most evaluations of sunscreen efficacy focus primarily on skin redness, or sunburn, caused by UVB rays. FDA rules ignore the relationship between the labeled SPF and measured UVA protection.
“It is important for people to choose mineral sunscreens that include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and come with a broad-spectrum label and an SPF between 30 and 50,” said Dr. Debra Jaliman, M.D., one of the top dermatologists in the nation. “These products do a good job at protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and have less concerns than chemical-based sunscreens, which can also irritate the skin and get absorbed into the body. EWG’s guide provides consumers with a wide variety of mineral sunscreen options that are both effective and free of potentially harmful chemical ingredients.”
Shoppers on the go can download EWG’s Healthy Living App to get ratings and safety information on safe sunscreen and other personal care products. EWG’s sunscreen label decoder can also help consumers looking for safe sunscreen.
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. Visit www.ewg.org for more information.
EWG’s and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Top Recreational Sunscreen Picks
1. ATTITUDE Sunly Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Tropical, SPF 30
Take care of your skin with Sunly. ATTITUDE™ SPF 30 body sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to limit our impact on the oceans. This mineral filter provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. EWG VERIFIED™ and dermatologically tested, this body sunscreen’s liquid formula is easy to apply. Enjoy your vacation outdoors with peace of mind!
2. Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen Balm, SPF 40
- The all-new SPF 40 Sport Sunscreen Zinc Balm has been EWG Verified™ and certified 100% U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased.
- Active Ingredient: 20% Zinc Oxide – a non-nano mineral that applies sheer but is proven safer for you and our blue planet.
- Only nine simple ingredients, plus our proprietary antioxidant blend that gives you an added layer of protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
3. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
Travel friendly mineral sport sunscreen for on-the-go! Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Sport Stick protects from the sun’s harmful UVA & UBV rays. Created with natural origin zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum SPF30 protection and 11 plant-based ingredients including moisturizing shea butter and rice bran oil. This convenient stick format is a mess free way to apply water-resistant protection all over face and body. Fragrance-free and suitable for all ages.
4. CRUNCHI Sunlight® Tinted Sunscreen, SPF 30
A beyond-clean tinted SPF 30 that blends makeup, skincare, and sun protection in one. Powered by 100% pure earth pigments, stable vitamin C, and non-nano mineral zinc oxide, this lightweight formula delivers light, adaptable coverage that evens tone, hydrates, and protects for healthy-looking, radiant skin.
5. Mustela Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Face and Body, SPF 50
A broad-spectrum, certified organic SPF 50 mineral sunscreen stick that delivers safe, effective daily sun protection for babies, kids, and the whole family, with mess-free, portable stick packaging for easy on-the-go use and safe for sensitive skin.
6. Solara Suncare Go! Mineral Defense Sport Antioxidant Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Power your outdoor adventures with high-performance, sensitive skin-loving protection of the Go! Mineral Defense Sport Lotion. This EWG Verified™ mineral based sunscreen is infused with nourishing superfruits and antioxidants to help hydrate, replenish, and defend your skin from damaging elements — all while delivering broad-spectrum SPF 50 and 80 minutes of water resistance.
Infused with Acerola Cherry, this clean mineral face sunscreen moisturizes and visibly brightens while free-radical fighting antioxidants help support skin barrier defense. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved, it’s ideal for sensitive skin and active days in the sun.
7. Badger Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen
Our new SPF 40 Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen gives a warm, sun-kissed glow that’s adaptive for a wide range of skin tones. The ultra-sheer formula is dermatologist-tested and blends effortlessly, leaving skin silky smooth while offering SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection and blue light defense as well as 40 minutes of water resistance. Moisturizing, vegan, reef-safe, and made with just 10 clean ingredients including zinc oxide.
8. Good Weather Skin One Daily Sun Cream
A zinc-based mineral sunscreen that leaves skin dewy and nourished. This buttery SPF 30 contains super hydrating clean ingredients and actives that support skin’s natural collagen production and improve texture—all while providing broad-spectrum sun protection.
9. ITP Beauty’s Daily Bawse – Clean, Tinted SPF Serum
- Non-chemical SPF 28 pearls that conform to your skin
- Hyaluronic acid
- 100% EWG Verified Clean
- Sheer-mineral tint + glow
- New moisturizing technology
- Multiple peptides
- 25% Zinc Oxide
10. Lemongrass Spa Products Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Protect and perfect your skin with this tinted mineral sunscreen. EcoSafe Zinc™ is combined with natural sea minerals, ensuring effective defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Lightweight for everyday use, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 45 coverage along with a sheer tint for a flawless, dewy finish. 2.5 oz. tube.
References:
Top-rated recreational sunscreens | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen – SPF 40 I Badger Balm
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – Making Cosmetics Safer for All
