Environmental Working Group Report Highlights Limited Safe Sunscreen Options for 2026
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its 2026 Guide to Sunscreens, revealing that only 20% of the 2,784 products analyzed provide safe and effective protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. The report emphasizes the importance of sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while also highlighting the risks associated with certain chemical ingredients. Notably, the guide discourages the use of sprays and powders due to inhalation risks and advises against products claiming SPF levels over 50+. The EWG's findings indicate that many sunscreens may not deliver the level of protection advertised, with some products providing only a fraction of the stated UVA and UVB protection. The report also notes a significant reduction in the use of retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A linked to potential health risks, in sunscreen products.