According to a report, 75% of sunscreens in the market contain harmful ingredients, including oxybenzone—known for altering hormones. It was found in 6% of the creams examined.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its annual 2023 Guide to Sunscreens after analyzing over 1,700 SPF products, including sunscreens, moisturizers and lip balms.
What is oxybenzone?
It is an active ingredient in sunscreen that is easily absorbed by the skin. Studies indicate that oxybenzone affects the balance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which in turn impacts reproduction.
CDC discovered that almost all Americans had some level of oxybenzone in them with higher levels in frequent sunscreen users.
Safe ingredients
The EWG guide rated sunscreens containing mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both as safe to use. They also protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Exposure to UVA rays can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Tests conducted in 2021 revealed that many sunscreens fail to provide adequate UVA protection as indicated by their marketed SPF numbers.