Researchers at Environmental Working Group (EWG) are only recommending 8 percent of the 500 sunscreens they reviewed in this year’s fourth annual Sunscreen Guide. This handful of products earned a safer, more effective rating than their competitor counterparts because they did not exaggerate their promises, nor contain oxybenzone – a chemical thought to disrupt hormonal balance.
EWG again called out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their failure to release sunscreen product regulations or provide oversight in this area. Other countries have different formulations to choose from, whereas the U.S. is limited to potentially harmful chemical combination products or mineral-based titanium dioxide or zinc.
The report also suggests that retinol – and other vitamin A derivatives – may actually accelerate the process whereby malignant cancer cells spread. About 50 percent of the sunscreens tested contained vitamin A in some form, likely because of its reported anti-aging properties.
Although the FDA denies it, AOL News reports that the organization may have known about the vitamin A concern as far back as the year 2000. EWG’s source is an alleged year-long FDA research project in which the uber-antioxidant was linked to the development of cancerous sores in connection with sun-exposed skin. The study’s preliminary results were disclosed late last year.
Despite the FDA’s denial of any such report, an October 2000 report by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) states: "Retinyl palmitate was selected by (FDA's) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for photo-toxicity and photocarcinogenicity testing based on the increasingly widespread use of this compound in cosmetic retail products for use on sun-exposed skin." NTP evaluates substances that are questionable – in terms of overall health impact – for the feds.
Another of EWG’s concerns is the rampant use of inaccurate sun protection factor (SPF) ratings. It points to 2007 regulations proposed by the FDA to keep sunscreen makers from claiming an SPF greater than 50. But because the organization has chosen not to enact or oversee its own suggested guidelines, there is no enforcement. Consumers who are misled by the SPF ratings can end up paying the price after extended sun exposure.
For a list of the sunscreens reviewed and access to the full report, visit this link for EWG.
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