Sunscreen Saves Lives: Health Experts Say EWG Guide Sends the Wrong Message

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) today released the following joint statement in response to recent discussions about sunscreen effectiveness, labeling, and safety, including the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2026 Guide to Sunscreens:

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and health authorities consistently emphasize that daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen-along with other protective measures-can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

"In the U.S., more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. Currently, less than 12 percent of U.S. adults use sunscreen daily. Alarmist headlines and misleading claims about sunscreen safety exacerbate an already dire, but preventable, public health situation. Sunscreens are well studied and rigorously tested products, and decades of evidence show they are both safe and effective at reducing the risk of skin cancer. Sensationalized reports that cast doubt on their safety only create confusion and ultimately put the U.S. public at greater risk." Said Dr. Jane Yoo, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist & Spokesperson, Skin Cancer Foundation.

"The best sunscreen is the one you use every day and reapply as directed," said CHPA's Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Dr. Scott Furness. "Decades of scientific evidence show that broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer when used consistently and correctly. Sun protection isn't defined by a single number alone, but by proper use and everyday habits, like seeking shade and wearing sun protective clothing. Information that may discourage sunscreen use or create confusion about its effectiveness can undermine an important public health tool. Sunscreens in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA and must meet established standards, and we support continued, science-based dialogue that supports consumer choice and reinforces the importance of daily sun protection habits."

"Broad-spectrum sunscreens have been shown to help protect against ultraviolet radiation, a known risk factor for skin cancer and skin damage," said Dr. Jaap Venema, Chief Scientist at the Personal Care Products Council. "Reports that question the safety and efficacy of sunscreen products undermine decades of evidence-based research and may contribute to increased ultraviolet radiation exposure, sunburn, and preventable skin damage. Suggesting that only a limited number of sunscreens are safe and effective discourages sunscreen use, which can harm public health, especially for those with repeated sun exposure."

Survivors of melanoma echoed the importance of consistent daily sun protection:

"From my perspective as a melanoma survivor, daughter of a stage IV metastatic melanoma warrior (my father) and someone who advocates for sun safety every day, one of the most important messages we can continue sharing is that sunscreen remains a critical tool in skin cancer prevention. While no product is perfect, messaging that creates fear or confusion around sunscreen safety can unfortunately discourage people from using any protection at all and that can have very real consequences." Said Leah Adams, patient advocate and melanoma survivor.

"We cannot let fear mongering convince people that sunscreen is more dangerous than the sun. We know UV radiation causes skin cancer. That has been proven over and over. I grew up wearing little to no sunscreen, meaning that my Stage III diagnosis at the age of 25 was caused by years of sun exposure from tanning beds and sunburns - not sunscreen." Said Leah Koskinen, patient advocate and melanoma survivor.