A new report is shining a light on the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen products sold in U.S. stores.
The Environmental Working Group published its 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens, finding that fewer than one in four SPF products met its criteria. The health research organization evaluated more than 2,200 products and found that fewer than 500 effectively protect a user's skin.
The report also shared insight into what it says are shortfalls within federal sunscreen regulations and the deceptive marketing practices by corporations.
"Many sunscreens still fall short by offering misleading claims about protection, using outdated formulas, some even containing ingredients with potential health concerns," the 2025 guide says. "Federal sunscreen rules have remained largely unchanged since 1999, leaving consumers to navigate products with uncertainty."
