As people stock up on sunscreen for summer, a newly released report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of many products currently on store shelves.
The 2026 EWG Guide to Sunscreens analyzed nearly 2,800 sunscreen products and found that only about 20% met the organization’s standards for both safety and UV protection. The report also highlights growing concerns over chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and homosalate, which studies have shown can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may disrupt hormones or pose other health risks.
At the same time, dermatologists are warning that misinformation spreading online — including claims that sunscreen is unnecessary or harmful — could discourage people from protecting themselves against skin cancer-causing UV exposure.
The George Washington University has experts who can discuss:
What consumers should know when choosing a sunscreen this summer
The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens
Why SPF numbers can be misleading
Concerns surrounding ingredients like oxybenzone and homosalate
The rise of sunscreen misinformation on social media
Best practices for sun protection, especially for children
Why melanoma and other skin cancers remain a major public health concern
Vishal Patel is an associate professor of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the director of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at the GW Cancer Center. Adam Friedman is the chair of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Pooja Sodha, is the director for the center for laser and cosmetic dermatology at GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
(Newswise/HG)
