84% of Sunscreens Unsafe or Ineffective

Only 16% of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective, according to a new analysis by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy and research organization. Of 783 products analyzed, only 125 blocked both UVA and UVB radiation, remained stable in sunlight and contained few if any ingredients that are known or suspected of being health hazards.

Update: See the 2010 list of 21 safe, natural sunscreens!

The analysis employed 400 scientific studies, information from industry and regulators, and nearly 60 government, academic and industry databases. The analysis found that many lotions have misleading labels that advertise attributes they lack. According to the Environmental Working Group, the Food and Drug Administration has missed numerous deadlines, over the course of years, and has so far failed to set safety standards for sunscreen lotions. In the absence of those standards, the group has created a searchable database that helps consumers choose products deemed safe and effective, based on the group's criteria.

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