Sunscreen Fact Check

Orange County Register, Chantal Lamers
Published July 30, 2007

Out of nearly 800 sunscreens scrutinized by the Environmental Working Group, researchers found that only 17 percent actually provide adequate sun protection and present minimal health risks. The nonprofit organization, whose researchers have been examining the safety of cosmetics and personal-care products since 2004, added sunscreens to its database called Skin Deep. The site includes findings on more than 23,000 products and 7,000 ingredients. As with its cosmetics database, users can search for the highest- and lowest-rated sunscreen or search by brand name. An easy-to-read scale rates each sunscreen a low, moderate or high health hazard as well as effective, moderately effective or not effective sun protection. Some sunscreen manufacturers label products as if they protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. According to the Environmental Working Group, the majority of sunscreens don’t protect against these types of rays, which have been linked to premature aging, skin damage, immune system damage and skin cancer. The FDA only requires sunscreens contain protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause skin burning and skin cancer. Researchers also say some ingredients are absorbed into the blood and are linked to toxic effects or allergic reactions. Find the cosmetic and sunscreen database at www.cosmeticdatabase.com.