What You Should Know About Sunscreens

by WiredBerries Editors — August 2, 2007

For almost 30 years, the FDA has not published safety standards for sunscreen products. Many consumers have felt "left in the dark" about which brands can help them stay "safe in the sun". Non-profit groups are now beginning to pick up where the FDA refuses to go. A new report confirms that many sunscreens do contain harmful ingredients.

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, has compiled a list of 700 namebrand sunscreens along with the toxic chemicals they contain. According to their report, 84% of sunscreen products are harmful to consumers, which means that four out of five sunscreen products actually harm the people who use them. This doesn't mean sunscreen should be avoided; it just means you should be selective about the products you choose. "Always use sunscreen," said Jane Houlihan, Vice President for Research at EWG, "but not all sunscreens are created equal."