Summer is here, whether we like it or not! As we are exposed to more outdoor activities, have you questioned if your sunscreen does actually protect you and your family? Or are the claims all marketing hype?
The following article is published by the well-known non-profit organization Environmental Working Group, which watches all consumer related products that are responsibly made and marketed in the U.S..
Only a quarter of the more than 800 beach and sports sunscreens analyzed by Environmental Working Group for our 2012 Sunscreen Guide meet our standards for effectiveness and safety. But we’re happy to report that’s actually progress! The sunscreen industry is taking notice. This time last year we could only recommend 20 percent of the sun protection products we evaluated, and in 2010 it was even worse: just 1-in-12.
You demanded that the market offer you better options, and sunscreen makers listened. To keep up the momentum, we need you to keep demanding improved sunscreens. One-in-four is better than last year, but it’s not good enough for your family.
A quarter of this year’s products still contain vitamin A ingredients that accelerate the growth of skin tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin, according to recent government studies. Also, 56 of the products we reviewed had no active ingredients that protect against the sun’s damaging UVA rays. And the industry continues to load store shelves with sunscreens that claim misleading, sky-high SPF ratings that may protect against sunburn-causing UVB rays but leave skin vulnerable to UVA.
Sort through the sunscreen noise – click here for EWG’s 2012 Sunscreen Guide.
You’ll find:
- EWG top-rated sunscreens.
- EWG updated Hall of Shame, which highlights many of the gimmicks used to market children’s sunscreens.
- How your sunscreen ranks in EWG database. (Hint: Leading brands like Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat didn’t make the cut.)
Have a great summer. Enjoy the Sun and be safe!