Sunscreen Products – Safety Concerns Consumers Should Know for Summertime

As summer approaches, sunscreen becomes a daily essential—but not all products are as safe or effective as they claim. With countless options available (chemical, mineral, aerosol), consumers face confusing marketing, potential health risks, and even misleading SPF claims.

Recent studies show that some sunscreens allow harmful chemicals to absorb into the bloodstream, while others charge premium prices for high SPF ratings that offer little extra protection. Are these products putting profits over safety?

Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP is investigating sunscreen brands that may mislead consumers. If you’ve purchased sunscreen and believe you were misled on its safety and health benefits, fill out our form to join the investigation!

Chemical Sunscreens: Hidden Risks?

Popular brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, Coppertone, and Supergoop! use chemical filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate) to absorb UV rays. However, research reveals these chemicals can enter the bloodstream after just one day of use, and may exceed safety thresholds for weeks with repeated application.

While the FDA continues to assess long-term effects, consumers may unknowingly expose themselves to unnecessary risks.

Mineral Sunscreens – Not Always Chemical-Free

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are generally safer, blocking UV rays instead of absorbing them. Yet some products—like Aveeno Protect and Neutrogena Sheer Zinc—add chemical boosters (octocrylene or homosalate, for example) to improve texture and artificially increase SPF.

SPF Limitations

An FDA report also calls for a cap of 60 SPF on sunscreen products, indicating that any benefit above 60 SPF may be marginal and may mislead consumers more than it can protect them. Consumers may believe that a product with higher SPF is worth the extra few dollars they are spending to purchase the product.

Sunscreen brands may offer these high SPF products at premium prices, potentially relying on consumers’ confusion to pay these prices for products with potentially limited benefits.

Were You Misled by Sunscreen Claims?

Do you feel misled about the safety or protection your sunscreen product may provide? Let us know, you may have a claim! Fill out our form and join the investigation today!