BREAKING: Most US sunscreens would be banned in Europe (2023)

It's no secret that the sun (in moderate doses) offers all sorts of health benefits, including helping our bodies make essential vitamin D. However, with warmer weather just around the corner, many people are looking for the best sunscreen to go around reduce your risk of overexposure to the sun,sunburnand possibly skin cancer.

The Environmental Working Group's 16th annual Guide to Sunscreens is a mix of good and bad news when it comes to the state of sunscreens sold in America and beyond.For example, oxybenzone -- a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical that's easily absorbed by the body -- is now found in 30 percent of the 1,850 products studied by the EWG. That may seem high, but consider this: Three years ago, about 60 percent of sunscreen products contained this chemical in question.

The National Toxicology Program published results linking oxybenzone exposure to a higher risk of thyroid tumors in female rats. Even the European Commission, which reviews ingredient safety in Europe, issued a final statement stating oxybenzoneunsafe for use at current levels.

"We smear these ingredients on our skin, but many of these chemicals have not been adequately tested," says CarlaBurns, EWG senior director for cosmetic science ingredient in sunscreen. Long-term use of these chemicals, and especially chemicals that have not been adequately tested for safety, could be problematic.”

Sunscreen chemicals build up in your blood

The effects of sunscreen can also last longer than expected. An FDA Guided 2020to learn foundthat "chemical ingredients in sunscreen are absorbed systemically after one application and some ingredients can remain in the blood for at least three weeks."

The sunscreen chemicals tested in this FDA study included avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate, and all six active ingredients tested are readily absorbed into the bloodstream of people involved in the study -- at levels that meet an important FDA exceed safety limit.

That builds up previous researchShows thatSunscreen chemicals enter the bloodstream within a day of application — at levels high enough to trigger a federal safety investigation.

Some public safety experts say this is just one example of how backward product regulation is in the US.

Aside from safety issues, another question is: Does sunscreen even work? Working Group Environmentfound that nearly 75 percent of sunscreensdon't workand/or contain questionable ingredients that are easily absorbed by the body.

Things may be moving more slowly in the right direction, but for now it's still up to the consumer to find sunscreens that are safer and actually work.

Related:What are parabens? The truth about this common cosmetic ingredient

Are you using the best sunscreen?

A previous EWG report cited research by Dr. Brian Diffey, Professor Emeritus of Photobiology at the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University. He showed that, on average, US sunscreens allowed about three times more UVA penetration through the skin compared to European sunscreens. In fact, the selection of sunscreens in the US is smaller and often offers inferior UVA protection compared to those in the European Union.

This is important because UVA raysare more common than UVB rays, and UVA damage is more subtle than the sunburns primarily caused by UVB rays. UVA rays can invisibly damage your skin by suppressing the immune system and causing skin to age over time; Overexposure to these rays has also been linked to the development of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

According to EWG, most sunscreens sold in the US would not be sold in Europe, which sets much stricter UVA standards.

In the US, sun protection regulations have not been updated since 2011, and current regulations encourage SPF products that reduce sunburn (which is important) instead of sunscreens that offer better broad-spectrum protection. In a press release, EWG noted that FDA regulations ignore the relationship between labeled SPF and measured UVA protection.

Excess UVA radiation is linked to aging, damage to the immune system and a higher risk of certain types of cancer.

Most of the products we tested reduced UV radiation by only half what we would expect based on the SPF on the label,” explains David Andrews, PhD, senior scientist at EWG and lead author of the report. These would not be approved for sale in Europe.

Sunscreen is just one tool in the Sun Safety Toolbox

Well, it's important to note that thereis not perfect sun protection. Many contain harmful chemicals, and even mineral-based ones might be included nanoparticles, tiny ingredients that can cross the blood-brain barrier and also harm aquatic life. Additionally, sunscreen is unique compared to many other personal care products because you apply it thickly to your skin, often multiple times a day. You don't get that kind of hours of skin-absorbing exposure with something like, say, shampoo that you quickly wash off.

Because of this, it is very important to look for safer sunscreens when using themandRealizing that sunscreen isn't the only thing you can rely on to avoid overexposure to the sun.

No product will completely protect and no product will last on your skin for more than two hours, the EWG has found in the past. They recommend putting sunscreen coatings on thick, reapplying every time you get out of the water, and choosing a better product to begin with. But other sun-smart methods of avoiding overexposure are a must. In fact, sunscreen should be your last line of defense against the sun after you have taken other more effective measures. More on that later.

In the EWG's Best Sun Protection Report 2022, the group analyzed the ingredients and labeling claims of more than 1,800 products with SPF. "The sunscreen industry continues to have its head in the sand," said Scott Faber, EWG's senior vice president for government affairs. “The market is flooded with products that offer poor UVA protection and don't consume the ingredients. Sunscreen sales have increased dramatically, so sunscreen companies can certainly afford to conduct the studies needed to ensure the safety of their customers.”

So what are the best sunscreens out there? Let's take a look.

The Best Sunscreens of 2022:For recreation

“Based on the best current scientific and toxicological data, we continue to recommend sunscreens with the mineral active ingredientsZinc oxideand titanium dioxide because they are the only two ingredients that the FDA has recognized as safe or effective in their proposed rule draft," says Burns.

Here are some of the top rated sunscreensthat met the EWG criteria for safety and efficacy:

• 365 Everyday Value Mineral Sunscreen Sportlotion, LSF 30
• 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Aromatherapeutic, SPF 35
• ATTITUDE Mineral sunscreen, fragrance-free, SPF 30
• All Good Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30
• All Good Sonnenschutzbutter, 50+
• Badger Active Mineral Sonnenschutzcreme, SPF 30
• Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream, LSF 40
• Black Girl Sunscreen Melanin Boosting Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Block Island Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
• Butterbean Organics Original Healthy Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• C'est Moi GENTLE mineral sunscreen lotion, SPF 30
• Earth Mama Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 25 & 40
• Eco Logical Skin Care All natural sunscreen lotion for the face, SPF 30+
• Eleven By Venus Williams On-The-Defense Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Erin's Faces Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Body SPF 32
• Green Goo Solar Goo Sonnencreme, LSF 30
• Just Skin Food Natural & Organic Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 30
• Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Sunscreen Lotion, Original, SPF 32
• Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen D Sonnenschutzlotion, Original, SPF 35
• It’s Organics Here’s Sonnencreme, getönt, SPF 31
• Laguna Herbals Sunscreen Stick for Face and Body, Coconut, SPF 30
• Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection Mineral body sunscreen, fragrance free, SPF 30
• Loving Naturals Clear Body Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30+
• Maui Natural Organics All Natural Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30,
• Nuori Mineral Defense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Olita Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, LSF 30
• Pacific Beach Organics Riptide Sunscreen Lotion Tinted SPF 32
• Poofy Organics Die Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30
• Rocket Pure Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Raw Elements sun protection lotion for face and body, SPF 30
• Sea Kind Alive Reef Safe Sonnencreme, SPF 30
• Star Naturals Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
• Summer lotion Natural sun protection lotion, SPF 30
• SunBioLogic Kids Natural Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
• Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Sport, LSF 30
• Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Vanille Yum Yum, SPF 30
• Sunumbra Classic Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30
• Think sunscreen lotion, aloe + tea leaves, SPF 30
• thinksport Body & Face Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 30
• thinksport Kids Body & Face Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 30
• Thrive Market Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• UV Natural Sport Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30+
• Waxhead Sun Defense Sonnenschutzstift, LSF 30
• Waxhead Sun Defense Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 32

It's also worth noting that many sunscreen brands are now offering safer options, although this is not the caseatof these brands' offerings are considered safer EWG picks. (Scores of 0-2 are considered safer, while higher scores indicate poorer safety ratings.) The EWG has been analyzing and pushing for safer sunscreens for more than a decade, and positive changes are occurring even among big brands and private label brands. For example, the following products achieved the EWG's best sun protection list with a score of "2":

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Lotion, Aloe Vera, SPF
• Banana Boat Kids Sport Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 50+
• Banana Boat Ultra Sport sunscreen stick, SPF 50+
• Coppertone Oil-Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
• Coppertone Sport sunscreen stick, SPF 40
• Equate Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
• Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant+ Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 30
• Neutrogena Clear Body Breakout Free Ölfreie Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40

The EWG gave the following a score of "3": These may not be as safe as "1" or "2", but they are widely available and are generally considered safer than many sunscreens if you are in a pinch, according to EWG:

• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 15
• No-Ad Suncare General Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch-Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30
• Panama Jack Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30
• Wegmans Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
• Wegmans Sheer Dry-Touch Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 30

Related:Propanediol for Skin: Dangerous Additive or All-Purpose Solvent?

The Best Sunscreens of 2022:Daily use/moisturizers

For its 2022 Sun Protection Report, the EWG ranked these products among the best:

• AKT Therapy Elemental Sun Balm, SPF 30
• Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer, LSF 15
• Andalou Naturals Men Face Guard Daily Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 30
• Ao Skincare 6000X Elemental Screen, LSF 30
• Beauty counter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for the face, SPF 25
• Biossance Squalan + Mineral, LSF 45
• Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, LSF 30
• Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer SPF 30
• Cyberderm Every Morning Sun Whip, LSF 30
• Earth Harbor Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, Sclipse, LSF 30
• Earth Mama Lady Face Mineral Sunscreen Tinted Face Stick, Light/Medium & Medium/Dark Tints, SPF 40
• Elf by Venus Williams Unsurpassed Sun Serum SPF 35
• Equate Daily Facial Moisturizer Lotion, LSF 15
• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30
• Kari Gran Essential SPF Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 28
• Keys Solar Rx Moisturizing Cream with Sun Protection, SPF 30+
• Keys KPRO Tinted Moisturizer with Sun Protection SPF 30+
• LASPA Naturals Daily Sun Protection Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 20
• Love Sun Body Sheer Power Daily Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Loving Naturals Daily UV Cream, Unscented, SPF 20
• MDSolarSciences Tinted Mineral Cream, SPF 30
• Raw Elements Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen, unparfümiert, SPF 30
• Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen, fragrance-free, SPF 30
• Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream Lotion, LSF 35
• Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 30
• Sunumbra Daily Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15+
• Sur Clean Skincare Mineral Defense Tinted Zinc Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
• Tearcal Pro Aclarant Skin Lightening Day Cream, SPF 15
• thinksport Everyday Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Naturally Tinted SPF 30+
• White & Elm Everyday, SPF 15

While the above products score a "1" (remember that 0-2 are considered the safest and most effective by the EWG - the lower the score, the better), it's important to note that big beauty companies do too create safer options. For example, EWG analysts gave the following Olay products a “2” rating.

• Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Hydrating Moisturizer, parfumfrei, SPF 15 & 30
• Olay Total Effects Whip Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen Fragrance Free SPF 25
• Olay Total Effects 7-in-One CC Tone Correcting Cream with Sunscreen, Light to Medium, SPF 15

And if you're looking for a lip balm with SPF,The EWG proposes these tips.

Top picks for theThe best sunscreens for babies(and overall kid-friendly tips)

• 3rd Rock Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion, Toddlers, SPF 35
• Adorable baby sunscreen stick, SPF 30+
• All Good Kid SPF 50+ Sunscreen Butter Stick
• ATTITUDE Baby & Kids sun protection lotion, fragrance-free, SPF 30
• Badger Baby Active Sunscreen Cream, Kamille & Calendula, SPF 40
• California Baby Allday/Year-Round Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
• California Baby Super Sensitive Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 30+
• Earth Mama Baby Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 40
• Earth Mama Baby-Mineral-Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 40
• Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 40
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavendel Kamille, SPF 30
• Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby-Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30
• Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 31
• Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, LSF 30
• Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sonnenschutzlotion Dose, LSF 30
• Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sonnenschutzstift, LSF 30
• Star Naturals Baby Natural Sunscreen Stick SPF 25
• thinkbaby Body & Face sunscreen stick, SPF 30
• thinksport Kids Body & Face Sonnenschutzstift, SPF 30
• TruBaby Water & Play Mineral-Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 30+
• Trukid Eczema Daily Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 30
• Tubby Todd Bath Co Baby-Mineral-Sonnencreme, SPF 30
• UV natural baby sunscreen lotion, SPF 30+
• Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Vitamin E + D Enriched Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35

The Most Toxic Sunscreens to Avoid

Here's a great takeaway that makes things a little less complicated. EWG recommends avoidingatSpray sunscreen. Not only is it very difficult to apply them effectively and evenly, but there are concerns that the ingredients could potentially cause irreversible lung damage. The truth is, the ingredients simply have not been tested in aerosol capacity for long-term human health effects like unfortunately so many other everyday chemicals.

And last year, sunscreen contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, triggered a spraySunscreen recallof 14 popular products. Independent tests have shown that the problem is actually widespread.

When it comes to sunscreen, here are some of the other worst overall sinners, rated in the red zone (10) for serious safety concerns. Overall, these products tested poorly in the EWG analysis and are considered poor choices for sunscreen. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. To check your favorite sunscreen or search the database,Click here.)

• Walgreens Dry Touch Sonnenschutzlotion, LSF 100
• Panama Jack Sun Protection Permanent Spray, SPF 100
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch-Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 85+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch-Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sonnenschutzspray, SPF 100+
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, LSF 60+
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 70
• Equate Beauty Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
• CVS Health Ultra Sheer Lotion, SPF 100
• COOLA Classic Body Sunscreen Spray, Pfirsichblüte, SPF 70
• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sonnenschutzlotion, SPF 100
• Banana Boat Ultra Defense Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 100
• Banana Boat Kids MAX Clear Sonnenschutzspray, LSF 100
• Australian Gold Botanical Natural Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70

This is by no means a complete list. Be sure to check the safety rating of your individual product on EWG.org.

Key Findings in the EWG Sun Protection Report

• About 30 percent of sunscreens in the EWG's 2022 Guide to Sunscreens contain oxybenzone, an ingredient linked to thyroid cancer in women; it is a putative hormone disruptor.
• Your skin is the largest organ of your body's immune system. Excessive sun exposure can impair the immune system, but many sunscreen chemicals are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can also have adverse effects.
• Stanford University dermatologists concluded that people who rely solely on sunscreen for sun protection got more sunburns than people who reported using sunscreen infrequently but wore hats and clothing to protect themselves from the sun.
• An EWG analyst warns: “Sunscreen is just a form of sun protection and should not be used alone. It's also important to wear sunglasses, hats and t-shirts, stay in the shade and avoid the midday sun.”
• The rate of new melanoma cases among American adults has tripled since the 1970s.
• There is growing evidence that UVA exposure causes skin cancer. Nevertheless, there are no sun protection regulations that require adequate UVA protection.
• The FDA has not updated sun protection regulations since 2011.
• About 75 percent of sunscreen products reviewed by EWG either did not provide adequate protection from UV rays and/or contained hazardous ingredients. Among the ingredients of most concern is oxybenzone, one of the most well-knownendocrine disruptor, and retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that can damage the skin and potentially lead to skin tumors.
• Oxybenzone is widely used in American chemical-based sunscreens.laboratory testsshows skin penetration rates from 1 to 9 percent. This is concerning given that it acts like an estrogen in the body and has been linked to abnormal sperm function in animal studies and in studies in women with endometriosis. Oxybenzone also acts as a skin sensitizer in a significant number of people. (The same is true of methylisothiazolinone, a common sunscreen preservative found in most products reviewed.) Thankfully, places like Hawaii and Key West have banned oxybenzone in sunscreen for its ability to bleach and kill coral reefs.
• In a previous EWG review, about 40 percent of sunscreens contained vitamin A ingredients. This type of ingredient can react with UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer, according to government animal testing data.
• Scientists don't know for sure if sunscreen helps prevent melanoma. As the EWG notes in its summary of the sun protection guide, “Sun exposure appears to play a role in melanoma, but it is a complex disease for which many questions remain unanswered. A puzzling fact: melanomas don't usually appear on parts of the body that get daily sun exposure."
• Be wary of claims of ultra high SPF. There are more of them today than there were a few years ago. The US has not approved modern sunscreens that would provide better broad-spectrum protection. For this reason, products with a sun protection factor of 70+ often lack UVA protection. In other developed countries, the sun protection factor is usually limited to 50.
• Avoid sunscreen sprays. It's very difficult to apply at a thickness that provides adequate protection, plus it increases the risk of sending potentially harmful sunscreen chemicals straight into your lungs (and the lungs of everyone sitting around you).
• Almost 25 percent of the sunscreens tested in 2022 were sprays. The FDA suggests that all sprays and powders undergo additional safety testing to ensure they cannot be breathed deeply into the lungs and cause irreversible damage.
• Inactive ingredients often make up 50 to 70 percent of sunscreen formulations, and the EWG is asking the FEA to study the safety of these ingredients as well.
• FDA pilots uncovered spray sunscreen products that would fail proposed standards.
• The EWG recommends consumers avoid all sprays and powder sunscreens.
• When choosing sunscreens to protect against overexposure to the sun, EWG recommends opting for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide active ingredients, and avoiding products with ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.
• If you avoid the sun, have your doctor check your vitamin D levels. A growing proportion of the population is deficient, thanks to sunscreen and spending more time indoors.

The good news is that you can get enough vitamin DandProtect yourself from burns without always resorting to sunscreen.

How to avoid too much sun

Some sun exposure is essential for good health as it helps your body make vitamin D. There are several ways to get vitamin D, but the best way to get it is standing up Sonneor eatFoods rich in vitamin D. Sitting in the sun without exposure to sunlight for about 10 minutes helps your body make about 10,000 units of natural vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiencyhas been linked to certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, depression, osteoporosis, and many other ailments, so getting enough of it is important. However, as with almost anything, you can have too much of a good thing and want to make sure you avoid sunburn.

However, you should consider sunscreen as a last resort to avoid sunburn. In fact, there's no conclusive evidence that sunscreen use actually prevents skin cancer — including the best sunscreen — and some ingredients might actually do sofuelskin cancer.

Avoid overexposure during the peak hours of sunshine, use sunglasses and sunscreen hats and clothing (Solumbra is a good brand). These things reduce the risk of burns without sunscreen.

Final Thoughts

• When direct sunlight hits our skin under peak conditions, our body produces large amounts of vitamin D. Inadequate intake of vitamin D has been linked to all sorts of health problems, including cancer, arthritis, depression, and other diseases.
• However, you can get too much of a good thing, which is why it's important to take steps to avoid overexposure and sunburn.
• There is no perfect sun protection.Mineral sunscreensare generally considered safer, but often contain nanoparticles that have not been tightly regulated or studied for long-term effects on human or aquatic health. Chemical sunscreens often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals or even an ingredient that could cause skin cancer. Still, the EWG report helps consumers looking for sunscreen make safer choices while avoiding the lowest-rated brands.
• Sunscreen should be used as a last resort. Sun protection measures such as hats, sunglasses, seeking shade and avoiding peak sun exposure for long periods should be used before turning to sunscreen and when you choose sunscreen make sure it is one of the best sunscreens .