Recent research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has uncovered a concerning disconnect between Americans’ awareness of sun protection and their actual practices. According to experts, as many as 80% of sunscreens either fail to provide adequate protection or contain ingredients that may be harmful to the skin. A survey conducted by scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that only 14 percent of men reported regularly applying sunscreen before spending over an hour in the sun. Although women fared better at 30 percent, the overall usage remains insufficient, with men more likely to admit they never use sunscreen at all.
However, inconsistent application is only part of the problem. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), in its 2015 sunscreen guide, evaluated more than 1,700 sun-care products—including creams, lip balms, and daily moisturizers—and found that four out of five provide subpar protection or contain ingredients that raise safety concerns. Among the most troubling are oxybenzone, a potential hormone disruptor, and vitamin A derivatives such as retinyl palmitate, which some studies suggest may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Neutrogena, a major skincare brand, faced particular criticism in the report. Despite advertising certain baby sunscreens as offering “special protection” and labeling them “hypoallergenic,” these products still contain methylisothiazolinone, a preservative the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has deemed unsafe for leave-on cosmetics. Additionally, the brand markets products with extremely high SPF ratings of 70 and even 100+, despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s stance that protection benefits plateau around SPF 50. Neutrogena declined to comment before the report’s publication. EWG’s findings include a “Hall of Shame” listing of the least reliable products and offer consumers a searchable database to check the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens.
Dermatologists continue to recommend simple but consistent sun safety habits. They advise selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, avoiding peak sun hours especially around midday, wearing protective clothing, and reapplying sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Experts emphasize that regular and proper application matters more than chasing extremely high SPF numbers for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
When choosing sunscreen, dermatologists highlight the importance of looking beyond the highest SPF number on the shelf. A broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA rays (which cause aging) and UVB rays (which cause burning) is essential. An SPF between 30 and 50 is generally recommended, as higher SPFs offer only slight additional protection. Consumers should also check ingredient lists carefully. Physical or mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better for sensitive skin and provide immediate protection, while chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate should be avoided due to their potential risks.
Water resistance is another important factor, especially for those who swim or sweat frequently, with labels indicating “water-resistant” protection for either 40 or 80 minutes being preferred. For daily use, particularly under makeup, lightweight gel-based sunscreens or tinted moisturizers with SPF may be more comfortable and encourage consistent use. When shopping for children or individuals with allergies, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products are advised, though consumers should still verify ingredient lists as some brands misuse these terms.
Finally, tools like the EWG’s sunscreen database can help consumers assess safety ratings and effectiveness, enabling informed decisions. Ultimately, experts agree that the best sunscreen is the one worn regularly, so finding a product that suits individual skin types, lifestyles, and preferences is crucial for effective sun protection.
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