NEW YORK, May 15: A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) sheds light on the effectiveness and safety of sunscreen products available in the market. The study, which evaluated over 1,700 SPF products, revealed that only approximately 25% meet both safety and efficacy standards.

Emily Spilman, program manager at the EWG, expressed concerns over the ingredients found in many sunscreen products. According to Spilman, active ingredients in non-mineral sunscreens have the potential to absorb through the skin, potentially causing adverse effects ranging from skin allergies to hormone disruption.

Moreover, the study highlighted that numerous sunscreens fail to deliver on their advertised effectiveness. Despite these findings, many of these products remain on the market.

Spilman explained that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as safe and effective. However, there are 12 other ingredients permitted for use in the US for which the FDA lacks sufficient safety data. Although proposed changes to regulations aim to address this issue, they have yet to be finalized.

The ongoing presence of sunscreen products lacking adequate safety data raises concerns about consumer protection. Spilman noted that while the FDA has requested additional safety data from sunscreen manufacturers, many have been unwilling to provide it. With deadlines for data submission passing, uncertainty looms over the FDA's next steps in regulating these products.