Millions of people may be exposing themselves to potentially harmful chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which says most sunscreens on the market are either ineffective or raise safety concerns.
In its 2026 Guide to Sunscreens, the EWG evaluated 2,990 products and found that only 597, about 20 per cent, met its criteria for providing safe and effective protection against the sun's harmful rays.
As more people prepare for sunny weather and outdoor activities, the report is encouraging consumers to pay closer attention to the sunscreen products they buy.
Researchers said many people assume that all sunscreens on the market offer the same level of protection, but the findings suggest that is not always the case.
“People often believe higher SPF numbers automatically mean better protection, but that is not necessarily true,” the report noted.
To make the recommended list, products had to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. These are two types of ultraviolet rays from the sun that can damage the skin, speed up ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Products in spray and powder form were not included because of concerns that people may inhale them during use.
The report also found that consumers are often attracted to expensive sunscreens with very high SPF levels, such as SPF 100, believing they offer much stronger protection. However, the difference is smaller than many expect.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) shows how well a sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
A higher SPF gives more protection, but the difference is often small. For example, SPF 30 blocks most UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks slightly more.
Experts say using enough sunscreen and reapplying it regularly is more important than choosing very high SPF numbers.
An SPF 50 sunscreen can block about 98 per cent of harmful UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks around 99 per cent. Experts say using enough sunscreen and reapplying it correctly is often more important than choosing extremely high SPF numbers.
Questions were also raised about whether some products provide the exact level of protection stated on their labels.
The report recommended avoiding certain ingredients linked to health concerns, including some forms of vitamin A and chemicals that have previously been associated with skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, and developmental concerns.
Mineral sunscreens made up most of the recommended products.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral-based options sit on top of the skin and help block or reflect sunlight. They are usually made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are less likely to irritate the skin.
In the past, mineral sunscreens were unpopular because they often left a white layer on the skin. But newer products have improved and now come in lighter formulas and tinted options that blend more easily.
Chemical sunscreens work differently. They absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat.
Some studies have raised concerns because certain sunscreen chemicals were found to enter the bloodstream after use and remain in the body for several days.
“Some of these ingredients have also been linked to possible hormone disruption and environmental damage, including harm to coral reefs and marine life,” research finds.
However, industry representatives argue that sunscreen remains safe and plays an important role in protecting people from skin damage and skin cancer.
Health experts continue to advise people to think beyond sunscreen alone and use several methods to stay safe in the sun.
This includes wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats, seeking shade where possible, and limiting direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV levels are usually highest.
Experts also stress that sunscreen only works well when used correctly.
Adults should apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside and use enough to cover all exposed skin. Reapplying every two hours or after swimming and sweating is equally important.
Children need even more protection. Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight because their skin is extremely sensitive.
Health experts warn that severe sunburns during childhood can raise the risk of developing melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, later in life.
Experts also caution against misleading messages on social media suggesting the sun does not cause skin cancer. Scientific evidence continues to show that ultraviolet radiation damages skin and increases cancer risk over time.
While sunscreen remains an important tool, experts say choosing safer products and combining them with other forms of sun protection offers the best defence.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), using the wrong sunscreen or relying on sunscreen that does not provide enough protection can leave the skin exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Over time, this can lead to sunburn, faster skin ageing, damage to the eyes, weakening of the immune system, and a higher risk of skin cancer.
WHO also warns that sunscreen should not be used as a way to stay longer in the sun because it cannot completely block UV radiation.
Experts recommend choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and combining it with other protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours.
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