Think your expensive sunscreen will protect your skin? Unlikely. Put on a hat and shirt and sit in the shade instead. That, basically, is the latest sunny advice from Environmental Working Group, a green health nonprofit that released its latest Sunscreen Guide earlier this week.
Store shelves may be crowded with numerous sunscreen brands boasting high SPF ratings, but most of those promises are bunk, according to EWG. In fact, only 8 percent beach and sport sunscreens on the market this season actually do what they claim.
What’s wrong with the other 92 percent? The issues range from creating consumer confusion to using ineffective or even dangerous ingredients. According to EWG, many sunscreens that list high SPF protection don’t protect against UVA radiation. Many people, however, look just at the SPF number and assume they’re good to go out — and stay out longer too, getting burned. People also put on only about a quarter of the sunscreen necessary to get full SPF benefits, leading to more burned skin. “In everyday practice, a product labeled SPF 100 really performs like SPF 3.2, an SPF 30 rating equates to a 2.3 and an SPF 15 translates to 2,” reports EWG.
If that’s not bad enough, some sunscreens may be downright dangerous. EWG’s warned about the use of oxybenzone — a hormone disruptor — in sunscreens in previous years. But this year, additional new concerns are being raised about a vitamin A compound called retinyl palmitate — found in a whopping 41 percent of sunscreens — because it’s suspected that the stuff may actually elevate skin cancer risk when used in sunscreens. Studies are as of yet inconclusive and an FDA investigation’s underway, but EWG’s recommending people opt for Vitamin A-free sunscreens to be on the safe side.
What’s a sun-loving environmentalist to do? The FDA’s supposed to revamp its regulations for sunscreens, with new rules planned to be issued next October. In the meantime, opt for one of the 39 greener and safer sunscreens recommended by EWG — and look for some eco-friendly hats and beachwear to wear while relaxing under the shade of your favorite palm tree.
Earlier:
>> My review of Caribbean Solutions Natural/Biodegradable SolGuard, one of EWG’s recommended sunscreens
>> DIY sunscreen: Not a cool green idea
>> EWG’s more sanguine 2009 Sunscreen Guide
Photo by Robert S. Donovan
I’ve seen some clothing items marked with “SPF” ratings (ex: http://www.spfstore.com/Sun-Protective-100-Certified-Organic-Tee-shirt-p/3500.htm )
Is anyone familiar with these items, how they work and how well they work? What are they made of that makes them different than a normal t-shirt? Is it just a different knit or weave? Are there any additional chemicals that would make them less “safe” than a normally dyed shirt?
Comment by M — May 25, 2010 @ 10:31 am
I changed the brand of sunscreen that I use on my toddler son thanks to this report, so thanks for posting it! Here’s a thought: if companies are marketing products to be used on children, how about testing it to make sure that the chemicals within won’t damage children’s health?! It’s time to get out of the dark ages and use some safer alternatives.
Sian Wu´s last blog ..A better place for e-waste
Comment by Sian Wu — May 28, 2010 @ 1:32 pm
I agree — Let’s pass a strong Safe Chemicals Act already! :)
Comment by Siel — June 19, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
I’m inclined to believe this report, being a crazy greenie and all, but EWG was also the outfit that unnecessarily dissed Riverside Public Utilities’ water as unsafe to drink, driving thousands to bottled water, when in actuality RPU water is some of the safest in the reason. It was a flaw in the methodology used to derive rankings.
*passes out grains of salt, meant to accompany report.*
Justin N´s last blog ..They need one of these in every subway…
Comment by Justin N — June 25, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
So many sunscreens contain still contain toxins and don’t protect against UVA. UVA rays cause wrinkle-formation and skin-aging, so definitely something you’ll want to avoid.
Alison @ Femita´s last blog ..All You Need To Know About Sunscreen In 19 Questions Part 1
Comment by Alison @ Femita — August 12, 2010 @ 3:12 am