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Understanding EWG Verification for Sunscreens: A New Standard in Sun Care

Did you know 3 in 4 sunscreens reviewed by the Environmental Working Group don’t meet their standards for sun protection and avoiding harmful ingredients? In fact, the unfortunate truth is that many sunscreens may not be keeping users as protected as they believe.

That’s the observation made by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an organization that has independently profiled over 1,700 sunscreen products. The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that utilizes research, advocacy and education to support consumers and provide guidance on the safety of products. When a product is EWG Verified®, it has met EWG’s strict scientific standards for transparency and health after thorough assessment by EWG's team of toxicologists, chemists and epidemiologists.

A smiling woman outdoors holds a tube of Babo Botanicals SPF 50 sunscreen, showcasing her commitment to sun protection. She has sunscreen on her shoulder, and an EWG VERIFIED badge appears in the top right corner of the image.

“When it comes to safeguarding against harmful UV rays, not all sunscreens are equal. Despite SPF claims, most sunscreens available in the U.S. fail to provide sufficient protection against UVA radiation, leaving consumers vulnerable to harm. The EWG VERIFIED® mark ensures peace of mind for people looking for sun care products that prioritize their well-being,” says Aya Matsumoto, a Director at the Environmental Working Group.

Despite claims of high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), many conventional sunscreens fall short when it comes to shielding us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. This inadequacy leaves consumers at risk, emphasizing the need for a reliable benchmark that ensures both effectiveness and safety in sun care products. In a peer-reviewed study of 51 sunscreens commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, on average these sunscreens provided just 42 to 59% of the labeled SPF on the package.

EWG has now taken steps to assess over 1700 sunscreens through their own testing process done with a team of scientists and experts, to ensure peace of mind for people looking for the best sunscreen options available.

Babo Botanicals, a brand dedicated to safe and effective products, including a line of mineral sunscreens, is one of the first-ever brands to have sunscreen EWG VERIFIED® - an achievement we have now reached with 9 of our sunscreen products.

Shop EWG VERIFIED® Sunscreens at Babo Botanicals→

Three tubes of Babo Botanicals sunscreens stand on a white surface outdoors, with green foliage and sunlight blurred in the background. Each tube features a different color label, highlighting their EWG Verification for trusted sun protection.

What does EWG VERIFIED® mean for Babo Botanicals and our sunscreen range? Let’s delve into the details.

Setting a New Standard of Excellence

According to Matsumoto, the accreditation signifies a milestone in sun care excellence. “By focusing on UVA radiation – the sun’s most damaging rays – these sunscreens surpass regulatory standards in both the U.S. and Europe. The European Commission advocates for a ratio of measured protection to SPF of at least one-third, a benchmark that EWG VERIFIED® sunscreens consistently meet or exceed.”

Prioritizing Health and Efficacy

Adrien Dissous, Senior Vice President at Babo Botanicals, underscores the importance of the EWG VERIFIED® program in empowering consumers. "The EWG VERIFIED® program is an invaluable resource for consumers and we are beyond excited the program will now allow them to shop for sunscreens with more peace of mind. It places the burden of proof upon brands and manufacturers to demonstrate their products are safe and effective instead of leaving consumers to do the work." This commitment aligns seamlessly with Babo Botanicals' ethos of transparency and ingredient integrity, cultivated since the brand's inception in 2010.

A woman and a young girl smile at each other during a picnic on a sunny day, both enjoying the moment with sun protection. The woman gently touches the girl’s nose as they sit among green grass, trees, and snacks on their blanket.

The Significance of the Mark

Homer Swei, Senior Vice President of Healthy Living Science at EWG, emphasizes the rigor behind the verification process. "Earning the EWG VERIFIED® mark is a significant achievement, as anyone who has read our exacting criteria can attest. The mark on packaging offers consumers a reliable and convenient way to identify Babo Botanicals best sunscreens, which meet EWG's highest safety and efficacy standards." For Babo Botanicals, receiving this accreditation represents a profound accomplishment, solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable, safe, and effective sunscreen formulations. The EWG VERIFIED® mark on Babo Botanicals' packaging serves as a beacon for consumers seeking reliable sun care options.

A green and white circular badge with “EWG VERIFIED” at the top, an abstract “e” in the center, and the words “FOR YOUR HEALTH • EWG.ORG” around the edge, representing EWG verification for safe sunscreens and sun protection products.

Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability

Transparency is not merely a buzzword for Babo Botanicals—it's an inherent aspect of our brand identity. By carefully sourcing ingredients and partnering with sustainable farmers globally, Babo Botanicals not only ensures the quality of our products but also supports local communities and ecosystems.

A person wearing white gardening gloves and prioritizing sun protection tends to leafy green and purple plants in a sunny garden bed.

Babo Botanicals' achievement of EWG VERIFIED® status for 9 products in our sunscreen lineup is a testament to our unwavering dedication to consumer health and product excellence. As we navigate the complexities of sun protection, this milestone sets a new standard, offering peace of mind to consumers seeking sun care products that prioritize efficacy, safety, and sustainability. With Babo Botanicals' EWG VERIFIED® sunscreens, you can bask in the sun with confidence, knowing that your skin is shielded by products that embody the highest standards of care and responsibility.