A new report by EWG finds just 23% of sunscreens meet both safety and effectiveness standards, fueling increasing consumer alarm and renewed controversy in the world of dermatology.
As the heat rises and sunshine-filled days invite, millions are stocking up on sunscreen—a reliable summer staple. But a recent report is making consumers hesitate. In its assessment of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), it appears that an unexpected amount of sunscreens presently available may not be as safe or effective as individuals perceive.
The 2025 iteration of the EWG’s yearly Guide to Sunscreens tested more than 2,200 sun protection items. What the review found was alarming: only 498 out of the total passed the group’s standards for both safety and efficacy. That’s a mere 23% of the products tested, putting a shadow over an industry long believed to be safe by default.
One of the biggest concerns raised by the EWG includes the chemical filters such as oxybenzone and octocrylene, which the organization associates with possible disruptions of hormones and harm to the environment. Spray sunscreens were also denounced for their patchy application as well as the possibility of inhaling toxic particles. Additionally, the report challenged marketing high-SPF products—those bearing SPF 50 or higher—on grounds that they can provide an illusion of protection lasting longer.
“SPF labels over 50 are a problem because they don’t provide much greater protection but tend to make people stay out in the sun longer without reapplying,” the report further clarified.
However, not all doctors in the medical field agree with the implications of the report.
Several dermatologists have expressed doubt about the EWG’s methodology. Some claim that the organization tends to err on the side of caution, possibly overestimating risks. They note that ingredients like oxybenzone have been in use for decades with no definitive proof of harm at concentrations used in sunscreen. Others question the report not being peer-reviewed and warn against fear-mongering that could scare off sunscreen use entirely.
Nevertheless, the overall message from both the EWG and medical experts is one: guard your skin.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla highlighted the importance of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, premature aging, and sun damage. Her tips include selecting broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 30, applying abundantly, and reapplying after two hours—particularly after swimming or perspiring.
For those who want to avoid chemical filters altogether, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are a good choice. These are generally reviewed as safe and provide strong, broad-spectrum protection.
In the end, although the EWG’s report has raised an outcry, it has also sparked a vital discussion on sun safety. For the consumer, the message is simple: don’t quit sunscreen, but do become a more educated buyer. Read the labels, know what you’re applying to your skin, and maintain both protection and security in mind as you bask in the sun.
