Jul 1, 2008 8:55 pm US/Eastern
Sunscreen or Sunscam
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Summer time in South Florida means slathering on the sunscreen but a watchdog organization has released an investigation of nearly 1,000 brand name sunscreens which found many overpromise on protection.
The study by the Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit, shows four out of five brand-name sunscreens don't properly protect you and may contain harmful chemicals.
It also found some of the nation's leading brands, including Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat, are the poorest performers.
Coppertone was named by the Environmental Working Group as having 41 products that failed to meet the group's criteria for issues ranging from failing to protect adequately to containing potentially harmful ingredients to making unsubstantiated claims.
Coppertone responded to the allegation, saying it tests all its products to ensure they're safe and effective.
Neutrogena says its sunscreen products have been "embraced by dermatologists and consumers for their efficacy," and says its new Helioplex technology provides broad-spectrum UV defense against sun damage.
Banana Boat did not comment.
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