#Ewg sunscreen study skin#

UVA protection is important for everyone, but is particularly relevant for people with darker skin.

#Ewg sunscreen study skin#

UVA radiation, which has a longer wavelength than UVB, doesn’t cause sunburns but can still lead to wrinkles, skin cancer and impacts on the immune system. Moreover, SPF labels principally measure protection from UVB radiation, the part of the light spectrum that causes sunburns. The FDA could finalize that proposed regulation at any time but hasn’t yet, said Andrews. High SPF values are a particular concern, and the FDA’s latest proposed regulation from 2021 includes a cap at “60+” due to a lack of evidence that sunscreens with SPF higher than 60 convey better protection from UV radiation. One hour in the sun at 9:00am is equivalent to 15 minutes in the sun at 1:00pm, according to the FDA. It isn’t related to the amount of time you can spend in the sun without a sunburn, because UV intensity changes throughout the day. SPF measures the amount of UV radiation needed to cause a sunburn. Some sunscreens don’t meet their stated SPF rating, according to both the EWG report and the FDA. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone can bleach and deform coral reefs. consumers in their report, and just 6% contained the chemical. EWG evaluated more than 1,700 sunscreens available to U.S.

The market has phased out oxybenzone due to the health and environmental concerns over the past several years, Emily Spilman, healthy living science program manager at EWG, told EHN, and this year represents a significant drop. The FDA concluded there isn’t enough information available to judge oxybenzone as safe and effective, but it remains approved for use in sunscreens. “Absorption continues for weeks after application,” EWG senior scientist David Andrews told EHN. In 2021 the FDA released a set of proposed regulations that stated oxybenzone is absorbed into the body at higher rates than previously known and that the chemical has been found in human breast milk, urine and blood plasma. Scientists have linked oxybenzone exposure to lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys and some changes in pregnancy outcomes. In humans, research isn’t conclusive that the chemical poses an immediate health risk, but there are signs that oxybenzone impacts the hormonal system. A study that year showed that oxybenzone threatened the aquatic ecosystem of the state’s popular Hanauma Bay and is a potential source of coral bleaching observed there in 2015. Hawaii banned oxybenzone in sunscreens starting in 2021, after studies found that the chemical can bleach and deform coral reefs. Advocates say the sunscreen market needs reform to provide the safest and most effective products to consumers. Many don’t protect against UVA radiation, a part of the light spectrum that doesn’t cause sunburns but can cause skin cancers. In addition, some sunscreens fail to achieve their stated SPF (sun protection factor) rating. Indications that oxybenzone could affect the body’s hormonal system has led to calls for its removal from sunscreens. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in preventing health harms from sun exposure, such as skin cancers, but experts say it’s important to evaluate ingredients to ensure they aren’t creating new health risks. Use of oxybenzone has declined by more than half since 2022, when it was present in 15% of products. this year, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) annual sunscreen trends report. Oxybenzone, a UV-absorbing chemical that harms coral reefs and may impact the body’s hormonal system, is found in 6% of sunscreens on the market in the U.S.