On October 16, 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in federal court by Lewandowska Giannese Et Al v. Edgewell Personal Care Brands, alleging that Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion fails to provide the promised SPF 50 protection, and actually offers less than half that level, at SPF 20. The suit targets Edgewell Personal Care Brands and covers anyone in the U.S. who bought the sunscreen for personal or household use within the statutory period.
The 33-page lawsuit claims that the actual SPF level is closer to SPF 20, less than half of what Edgewell advertises. This SPF number was determined after the plaintiffs’ attorneys submitted the product to an independent laboratory for a ‘clinical evaluation of static sunscreen efficacy’ in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for testing and labeling sunscreens.
Consumer Risks and Health Impact
False labeling matters—SPF 20 means notably less UVA/UVB protection per FDA and skin cancer advocacy group standards. In fact, the suit underscores that many medical experts recommend SPF 30 or higher to lower the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and melanoma, particularly in high-exposure months or regions.
Legal Grounds and Edgewell’s Track Record
The class action is being brought under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and Connecticut law, all of which ban deceptive advertising and demand accuracy in product claims. The lawsuit is seeking damages, restitution, and injunctive relief—including possible recalls or changes to product labeling- and sets a precedent affecting all major sunscreen brands sold nationally.
Notably, Edgewell has faced similar suits before:
- In 2021, separate class actions claimed Banana Boat sprays (another Edgewell brand) contained unsafe benzene or advertised reef safe claims without scientific backing.
- The Federal Trade Commission and the FDA have increased scrutiny on SPF labeling after consumer studies and recall events in recent years.
Nationwide Scope and Class Inclusion
The current lawsuit seeks to represent all U.S. consumers who bought Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active SPF 50 during the limitations period. Class actions require no sign-up up front—affected buyers will be notified if and when a settlement is reached.
Industry Context—and More SPF Lawsuits
Edgewell is not the only brand facing scrutiny. Following a wave of benzene contamination cases, SPF efficacy lawsuits have targeted Neutrogena, Coppertone, and even clean sunscreen leaders. A 2025 Australian regulator report found 80% of SPF 50+ sunscreens tested did not meet their label claim, echoing global problems with unreliable SPF testing and misleading greenwashing.
The FDA has also signaled new regulations are on the horizon, including annual reporting and mandatory label updates for all marketed sunscreen formulas.
The agency currently regulates sunscreen as an ‘over the counter’ drug, meaning companies must prove their products are safe through clinical trials. Monograph rules will limit which sunscreens can be considered protective against skin cancer.
What Should Shoppers and Brands Do Now?
Consumers continue to look for products with proven efficacy, usually those tested under FDA or EWG standards, with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reliable third-party reviews. Brands prioritize transparent SPF testing, accurate claims, and rapid adaptation as U.S. regulations become more strict, this includes real-world (in-use) testing, not just lab conditions. With public scrutiny, class action activity, and FDA attention all rising, sun care brands must double down on science and customer trust.
