Washington: As summer begins and sunscreen sales climb, a new report has sparked concern about the safety and effectiveness of popular sunscreen brands. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit watchdog, reviewed over 2,200 sunscreen products. Only 498 met its strict safety and efficacy standards.
This raised fears among consumers. The EWG cited potential health risks linked to chemical ingredients, referencing studies showing UV filters in sunscreen could enter the bloodstream.
However, experts say the report lacks balance. Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatologist at George Washington University, noted the group used only a small portion of the available research. He emphasized that no harmful effects were found in the cited studies.
He also pointed to long-term data showing approved sunscreen ingredients protect against skin cancer and aging. The EWG defended its review, claiming it was based on peer-reviewed research and data from agencies like the FDA. The group screens ingredients for health risks such as hormone disruption and allergies.
It also assesses how well they block UVA and UVB rays. While the debate continues, experts agree that sunscreen protects the skin. In the U.S., one in five people will get skin cancer by age 70.
About 20 Americans die from melanoma daily. The report offers the public a chance to better understand how sunscreen works and how to choose safer, more effective products.
