EWG war against oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate

This is a big and complicated controversy that I am going to present in the simplest terms possible.


What we know
Oxybenzone: organic compound, absorbs UVA and UVB
Retynly Palmitate: form of Vitamin A, antioxidant (neutralize free radicals that cause wrinkles), may cause birth defects


EWG: Environmental Working Group, non-profit, working to protect vulnerable consumers by doing research and "persuades bureaucracies to rethink science and strengthen regulation" (EWG website).
The Skin Cancer Foundation: international organization strives to educate public on sun protection and prevent skin cancer
Seal of Recommendation: given to products that meet standards of a volunteer Photobiology Committee


What we don't know
There are claims that oxybenzone, last reviewed by the FDA in the 70s, may produce free radicals. There is evidence that it penetrates skin.
Retynyl Palmitate: maybe cause cancer when exposed to the sun.


The Fight
EWG is claiming that oxybenzone and retynyl palmitate are not safe to be put in sunscreens. The Skin Cancer Foundation claims that EWG's claims are supported by "junk science". 


My 50 cents
Both organizations are run by people. People who may have agendas and biases and who may be feeling threatened and defensive. Scientists are people too. Scientists, even non-junk-scientists, are proven wrong all of the time. By the way, what exactly is junk science? The Skin Cancer foundation didn't give any evidence to support the junk science claim. They just kind of stated it and moved on (seems immature). 
I wouldn't trust either source. In time, perhaps the FDA, Skin Cancer F., and EWG will all agree on what is safe for people to use. Until that time, I am going to avoid using products with these potentially harmful ingredients and leave it at that. Oh, and I'm going to continue researching this because I really want to know what junk science is and if the EWG really is using junk science. 


What we all agree on
Wear a hat, sunglasses, cover up in general, stay out of the sun at peak sun hours, stay in the shade, and sunscreen (whatever kind) is better than no sunscreen.


Where to find EWG: www.ewg.org/
Skin Cancer Foundation: http://www.skincancer.org/