EWG vs. the Industry: How to Read 2025's Sunscreen Safety Scores
Sunscreen 'safety scores' shape what shoppers buy — so it's worth knowing what EWG's 2025 ratings claim and why dermatology and industry groups disagree.
EWG's 19th annual Guide to Sunscreens (May 2025) reported that only about 25% of more than 2,200 SPF products met its criteria, noting the FDA classifies just zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as GRASE — a stance the Personal Care Products Council pushed back on, calling the guide a 'misguide.'
Industry and many dermatology experts caution that low EWG pass rates can scare consumers away from using any sunscreen, stressing that the most important step is applying a broad-spectrum product, whatever its EWG score.
Questions we get a lot
Why did the Personal Care Products Council call EWG's guide a 'misguide'?
The trade group argued the guide can mislead consumers and discourage sunscreen use by applying criteria stricter than the FDA's. EWG, for its part, notes the FDA currently classifies only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as GRASE. The two sides disagree on how to interpret the safety status of other filters.
What does GRASE mean for sunscreen ingredients?
GRASE stands for 'generally recognized as safe and effective,' the FDA standard for over-the-counter drug ingredients. EWG's 2025 guide noted the FDA currently places only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in that category for sunscreens. That doesn't mean other filters are banned; the FDA has requested more data on several.
Should I trust EWG's scores when buying sunscreen?
Use them as one input, not the only one. EWG applies its own criteria, which industry and some dermatology voices contest. The strongest consensus across all sides is that using a broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently matters more than chasing a perfect score.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'EWG and the industry totally contradict each other on sunscreen — who am I supposed to believe when I'm just trying to buy SPF?'