SUNSCREENS

EWG SUNSCREEN STUDY
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INVESTIGATION
• Summary & findings
• Skin safety 101
• Top sunscreen tips
• Who's protecting us?
• About active ingredients
• Misleading claims
• Methodology
• References
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FAQ
• What does "SPF" really mean?
• What about nanoparticles?
• Which sunscreens are best for children?
• Is sunscreen all I need to stay safe?

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Misleading Claims

VERY HIGH SPF NUMBERS

SPF 50 sunscreens provide just 1.3% more protection from UVB rays than SPF 30 sunscreens. It is more important, therefore, to apply sunscreen generously than it is to seek out products with ultra-high SPF ratings. When applying sunscreen, few people put on enough to actually reach the product's SPF rating.

Provides "UVA-UVB" or "broad-spectrum" protection

The FDA has no regulations about what degree of UVA protection a sunscreen must provide to be able to make such claims, so you won't know how much protection you are actually getting by reading the bottle. Remember: SPF numbers refer only to the ability to protect from UVB rays — they tell you nothing about UVA.

"Waterproof"

Although some sunscreens are water resistant, none are truly waterproof. Be equally suspicious of claims that a product is "sweat-proof," "sand-proof," or "rub-proof." While some sunscreens stay on better than others, all need to be reapplied regularly to remain effective.

"8-hour" or "all day" protection

How long a sunscreen remains effective depends on many factors, and no sunscreen can guarantee that it will provide protection for certain number of hours or all day. Swimming, sweating, and towel drying tends to reduce effectiveness, and fair skinned people will need to reapply sunscreen more often to avoid burning.

"Blocks all harmful rays"

No sunscreen product blocks all of the sun's harmful rays — even those that claim to provide protection from UVA radiation. The ultra-common term "sunblock" can be similarly misleading since it falsely implies that a product is blocking all light from the sun, when no sunscreen can do this.

Provides "instant protection"

For most sunscreens, the FDA does not require testing to determine whether a product needs to be applied prior to sun exposure for maximum effectiveness. To be safe, follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines: apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before exposure, and at least every 2 hours thereafter.

Provides "total protection"

This claim is both false and misleading. Sunscreen can only provide partial protection against harmful effects of the sun. Limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing are even more important when it comes to protecting against skin cancer and premature skin aging.

"Chemical-free"

This claim is often found on sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, but is misleading since both of these compounds (even though they are naturally occurring) are in fact chemicals. Invariably, the rest of these sunscreen formulations also contain chemicals, so don't be led astray by this claim.

"PABA-free"

This exceptionally common marketing claim is almost meaningless since virtually no sunscreens still contain PABA, a once popular sunscreen ingredient that fell out of favor because of concerns about allergic dermatitis and photosensitivity. A derivative of PABA called Padimate O is still relatively common, however.

"As mild as water"

Read the fine print and conduct your own "laugh-test" when it comes to sunscreen claims. EWG found one product advertising that it was "as mild as water to your child's eyes and skin" but then warned users to "avoid contact with eyes" and "if contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water."

References:

ACS. 2007. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. American Cancer Society. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_Skin_Cancer_Detection_What_You_Can_Do.asp?sitearea=PED#protect

AP. 2006. Sunscreen makers sued for misleading claims; popular brands exaggerate their effectiveness, nine lawsuits charge. Associated Press. April 24, 2006.

Blumenthal R. 2006. Attorney General Says Sunscreen Labeling Rules Fail To Prevent False Claims. Connecticut Attorney General's Office. Press Release. July 7, 2006.

FDA. 1999. Final Rule for Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Federal Register 64(98): 27666-27693.

FTC. 1997. Complaint against Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc. Federal Trade Commission. May 16, 1997. Docket No. C-3741.