A recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) review found that only about 20% of sunscreen products meet its safety and efficacy criteria — roughly 550 out of 2,784 items surveyed. That finding doesn’t mean you should stop using sunscreen, but it does mean choosing and using it more carefully.
What the EWG looked at
The EWG evaluates sunscreens on five main factors related to ingredient hazards and performance:
– Potential health hazards from ingredients
– UVB protection (prevents sunburn)
– UVA protection (linked to deeper skin damage and aging)
– Balance between UVA and UVB protection
– Stability of the sunscreen (how quickly active ingredients break down in sunlight)
Why this matters
Sunscreen remains one of the most effective tools to reduce sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer risk. Experts emphasize that the takeaway is not to avoid sunscreen but to pick products wisely and use them consistently along with other sun-protection measures.
Regulatory gaps and new filters
The U.S. has relied on a limited set of UV filters for decades; no new ingredient had been fully approved since 1999 until regulators began considering additions. In late 2025, the Food and Drug Administration proposed classifying bemotrizinol as safe and effective — a step that could broaden available filters in the U.S. — but that change had not been finalized at the time of the EWG report.
Mineral vs chemical sunscreens
– Mineral sunscreens (typically zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on the skin and reflect UV rays. They’re often recommended for sensitive or reactive skin and after procedures like peels or laser treatments.
– Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. They can be lightweight and cosmetically elegant, which increases the chance people will use them regularly.
Neither type is inherently “better” for everyone; tolerance and daily habits matter more than category alone.
How to choose an effective sunscreen
– Broad-spectrum: Make sure the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum labeling is essential.
– SPF: For most people, SPF 30 to 50 provides adequate protection. Many dermatologists recommend SPF 50 or higher for maximum daily protection, but extremely high SPFs (like 100+) can create a false sense of security.
– Water resistance: Choose water-resistant formulas when swimming or sweating and reapply as directed.
– Reapplication: Sunscreen must be reapplied regularly — typically every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating — to remain effective.
– Useability: Pick a texture and formulation you’ll actually use every day (lotion, cream, spray, stick). Consistent use is more important than selecting the fanciest ingredient.
– Sensitive skin: People with rosacea or sensitive skin may prefer zinc oxide–based mineral sunscreens.
Practical reminders
Sunscreen is one part of a broader sun-safety strategy. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, seek shade during peak sun hours, and avoid prolonged unprotected exposure. If you have specific skin concerns or a history of skin cancer, talk with a dermatologist about the best sunscreen choices for your needs.
Bottom line
Not all sunscreens on store shelves meet strict safety and performance standards, but sun protection remains critical. Focus on broad-spectrum protection, an appropriate SPF, water resistance when needed, and a product you will apply and reapply consistently. Combining sunscreen with other protective measures offers the best defense against sun damage.
