In its latest annual Sunscreen guide, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) evaluated 500 sunscreens and found only 8% to be acceptable in terms of protection and safety.
EWG Senior Vice President for Research Jane Houlihan called most of the best-selling sunscreens in the US as “the equivalent of modern-day snake oil,” claiming they don’t offer the protection they state they do and that they may be dangerous because of the ingredients that they contain.
The group is warning that recently introduced high SPF sunscreens promote a false sense of security for users and that many of the products offer protection only against UVB rays and not UVA rays, the rays responsible for skin aging and some types of skin cancers. Ingredients including oxybenzone and Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) were specifically singled out for their side effects when included in sun protection products.
Topping EWG’s list of sunscreens that are safe and effectiv?
- Badger
- California Baby
- Jason Natural Cosmetics
- La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreens
- All Terrain
Keep in mind that not everyone agrees with the EWG’s stance. However, in an age where safe and effective options are available, why not consider them.
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