Only 1 in 5 Sunscreens Meet Safety Standards: EWG Report

Tuesday, 19 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A new annual report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit focused on health and the environment, found that only 1 in 5 sunscreens on the market meet recommended safety standards. The report evaluated hundreds of products for both UV protection effectiveness and ingredient safety, flagging concerns around chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which may be absorbed through the skin. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide consistently ranked highest. For tourists spending time on Cretan beaches, this is worth noting: check your sunscreen label before travelling and opt for mineral-based formulas where possible. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher, reapplication every two hours, and additional protective measures such as hats and shade during peak sun hours, typically 11:00 to 16:00.