EWG 2025: The Real Story Behind 'Fewer Than 1 in 4 Sunscreens Pass' Is the UVA Gap
A high SPF number tells you almost nothing about UVA protection - the rays that drive aging and skin cancer - and EWG's 2025 data shows why broad-spectrum performance matters more.
EWG's 19th annual Guide to Sunscreens (released May 2025) assessed 2,204 SPF products and found only 498 (about 23%) met its standards for protection and ingredient safety; EWG argues high-SPF claims often mask weak UVA coverage.
EWG and many dermatologists note that SPF mainly reflects UVB protection, so a high number says little about UVA defense against deeper, aging and cancer-linked damage. Industry groups have pushed back on EWG's framing, but agree broad-spectrum coverage is what consumers should prioritize.
Questions we get a lot
Does a high SPF mean strong UVA protection?
Not necessarily - SPF primarily measures UVB protection, the rays that cause sunburn, and EWG's 2025 analysis argues high-SPF claims can mask weak UVA coverage. UVA penetrates deeper and drives aging and skin cancer risk. To cover both, look for a product labeled broad-spectrum rather than just the biggest SPF.
How many sunscreens met EWG's 2025 standards?
EWG's 19th annual guide assessed 2,204 SPF products and found only 498 - about 23% - met its standards for protection and ingredient safety. EWG attributes much of the shortfall to inadequate UVA coverage behind high SPF numbers. The industry has disputed parts of EWG's methodology while agreeing broad-spectrum coverage matters.
What's the difference between UVA and UVB?
UVB rays mostly cause sunburn and are what SPF measures, while UVA rays penetrate deeper and drive photoaging and contribute to skin cancer. A product can score well on SPF yet underperform on UVA, which is the gap EWG highlighted in 2025. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps address both.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'If my sunscreen is SPF 70, why does EWG say it might still be weak on UVA?'