A new study released by the Environmental Working Group has found that nearly half of the most popular sunscreen products on the market may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer because they contain vitamin A or its derivatives (retinol and retinyl palmitate). While these products might prevent sunburn, they may not keep ultraviolet light from destroying skin cells and causing tumors and lesions. In their annual report to consumers on sunscreen, they found that only 39 out of the 500 products they examined were considered safe and effective. The report also cites problems with overstated claims about performance with sun protection factor (SPF) numbers, the use of the hormone-disrupting chemical called oxybenzone, and the lack of needed regulations and oversight by the Food and Drug Administration. But most alarming is the finding that vitamin A and its derivatives, may cause the very cancer that sunscreen is trying to prevent. A list of the best and worst sunscreens can be found at www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen.
