TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Only 22% of sunscreen brands can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, a study conducted at the Environmental Working Group show.
The 2025 Sunscreen Guide rated over 2,200 SPF products, highlighting top-rated options, and urged the FDA to modernize the standards.
According to the survey, 498 of the 2,204 SPF products in 2025 met the criteria.
“Many sunscreens provide misleading claims about protection, and use outdated formulas to even contain ingredients that have potential health concerns,” the sunscreen guide said.
Mineral-based sunscreens are one of the biggest changes in the market. The product uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect it from harmful UV rays, the study says.
According to EWG, the two ingredients are the only active sunscreen filters recognized by the FDA as safe and effective.
In 2025, mineral sunscreens accounted for 43% of product reviews.
According to EWG, High SPF sunscreen offers just a little more UVB protection than low SPF products.
When choosing sunscreen, EWG says:
Don’t forget to apply frequently don’t fall on high SPF labels
EWG enhanced sunscreen is available on their website.
