You should be applying sunscreen every day — year-round — to lower the risk of skin cancer.
But all that lathering up might be in vain if you use the wrong product, according to two recent reports.
Consumer Reports says there are “major performance differences” among sunscreens, with some products offering less protection than promised by the SPF (sun protection factor) number listed on the label.
Even worse, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that nearly 80% of sunscreens do not provide adequate protection from the sun or contain potentially harmful ingredients.
Following is a look at several resources that you can use to find sunscreen products that have been evaluated by organizations like Consumer Reports and EWG.
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation
One way to judge a sunscreen product is to look up whether it has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
Sunscreens should protect your skin against two types of the sun’s rays — ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays contribute to the aging process of the skin, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both types contribute to your risk of skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation allows its Seal of Recommendation to be placed on products that the organization deems to provide “safe and effective sun protection.” According to the foundation, using these products will protect your skin from the ravages of the sun that can lead to skin cancer.
To earn the Seal of Recommendation, daily-use sunscreens must:
- Have a minimum SPF of 30 and substantiation of any water-resistance claims
- Pass a minimum critical wavelength test in which 90% of the formula’s UV absorbance occurs at 373 nanometers (nm)
- Pass assessments for skin irritation, including phototoxicity tests and an HRIPT (human repeated insult patch test)
Active-use sunscreens can earn the Seal of Recommendation if they:
- Have a minimum SPF of 50 and proof of water-resistance for 40 or 80 minutes
- Pass a minimum critical wavelength test at 373 nm
- Pass phototoxicity tests and an HRIPT
Consumer Reports’ ratings
Consumer Reports (CR) tests sunscreens in a lab to determine how well they protect against UVA and UVB rays and gives each product an overall score. In addition, the publication evaluates the scent of a sunscreen and how it feels when it’s applied, although this sensory testing does not factor into a product’s overall score.
CR says that in its testing, it has found that some sunscreens do not offer the level of protection that a product’s SPF number touts.
In fact, even sunscreens marketed under the same brand can be markedly different in terms of how well they protect your skin from the sun.
So, which brands are best? Unfortunately, CR ratings are only available to subscribers. However, you might be able to access them via your local library’s website. Ask your library if it offers remote access to CR.
EWG’s ratings
For 19 years, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reviewed sunscreen products — including just over 2,200 just this year.
Nearly 4 in 5 sunscreens — 77% of those evaluated — do not offer adequate protection from the sun, contain potentially harmful ingredients or both.
Fortunately, nearly 500 products do meet the EWG’s strict criteria.
The EWG report also contains other important information about sunscreens.
For example, the EWG notes that although spray sunscreens are popular, they typically are considered less effective than lotion. Sprays may also present hazards due to the fact that they can be inhaled.
If you want to discover whether your sunscreen is up to the job of protecting your skin safely, head over to the EWG website and search for your sunscreen.
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