Just one-quarter of sunscreens available on U.S. store shelves provide both safe and effective protection against harmful sun exposure, according to a new report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit consumer research and advocacy organization.
The 2025 Sunscreen Guide, which evaluated over 2,200 sunscreen products, assessed the safety and efficacy of each product based on its ability to block both UVA and UVB rays, as well as the presence of chemical ingredients flagged for potential health or environmental concerns.
“Our criteria include the ability of a sunscreen’s active ingredients to provide balanced UV protection, along with an evaluation of chemical safety,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at EWG.
The guide highlights the top-performing sunscreens across several categories, including baby and child sunscreens, daily moisturizers with SPF, SPF lip balms, and recreational sunscreens designed for outdoor use.
Debate Over Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens typically fall into two categories: chemical and mineral-based. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, while mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect sunlight.
A 2019 study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that some chemical ingredients, including oxybenzone and homosalate, can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at levels exceeding the agency’s safety thresholds after repeated use. These chemicals have also been associated with potential environmental impacts, such as damage to coral reefs, prompting bans in locations like Hawaii, Key West, and Palau.
However, industry groups dispute the characterization of chemical sunscreens as harmful. In a statement, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), which represents sunscreen manufacturers, said:
“This report sows consumer confusion and poses a serious risk by undermining public trust in products that are scientifically proven, rigorously tested, and highly effective at protecting against harmful UV radiation.”
According to the EWG, the use of oxybenzone has declined significantly over the years. In 2025, only 9% of non-mineral sunscreens contained the ingredient, down from 70% in previous years.
Mineral Sunscreens Gaining Popularity
The report noted a growing number of mineral-based sunscreen products on the market. Nearly 43% of products tested contained zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, up from 17% in 2007. These ingredients are generally considered safe for both human use and the environment.
However, the report raised concerns about certain chemical “boosters” used in mineral formulations. These substances, such as butyloctyl salicylate (BOS), may enhance SPF ratings but have not undergone the same regulatory scrutiny as FDA-approved active ingredients. EWG has urged the FDA to review these additives and clarify their safety profiles.
Regulatory Action Still Pending
In 2019, the FDA proposed updated regulations to strengthen sunscreen safety requirements. These included additional testing for 12 chemical ingredients, new labeling guidelines, and limits on SPF values above 60, which the agency said could mislead consumers about the level of protection offered.
To date, many of those proposals remain unresolved. Testing on aerosolized sunscreens, for example, has not been completed, despite concerns that spray formulations could be inhaled and affect vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Aerosol sunscreens continue to be widely used, making up about 26% of the products evaluated in the EWG report. Application challenges and wind dispersion have also raised questions about their real-world effectiveness.
“An Australian study showed that even light wind can cause significant product loss when spraying sunscreen,” Andrews said. “This may result in uneven coverage or insufficient protection.”
Public Health Guidance
Health professionals continue to emphasize the importance of sun protection to prevent skin cancer and long-term skin damage. Experts recommend using sunscreen alongside other measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
“UV radiation from the sun is a well-established cause of skin cancer, including melanoma,” said Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, a dermatologic surgeon at Yale School of Medicine. “Using sunscreen remains a vital part of skin protection.”
The FDA and Department of Health and Human Services have not yet issued updated guidance based on the latest findings or responded to EWG’s calls for action.
