Published reports suggest that the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks to return money that consumers spent on these products. The suit names as defendants Schering-Plough (which makes Coppertone), Johnson & Johnson (which makes Neutrogena), Playtex Products (which makes Banana Boat), Tanning Research Labs (which makes Hawaiian Tropic), and Chattem (which makes BullFrog).

Protection From Harmful Rays

The lawsuit claims the manufacturers promote sunbathing by claiming to protect users from harmful ultraviolet rays. It says while the products might protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays -- the shorter-length ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and increases the risk of skin cancer -- they do little to stop ultraviolet A (UVA) rays -- longer-length rays reaching deeper into the skin, which can also increase the risk.

However, dermatologists vehemently rebutted the suit's claims, saying that sunscreens were highly effective when used properly, but that they should always be used with other sun-smart behaviors like wearing a hat and avoiding sun exposure during peak daytime hours. "Sunscreen is believed by most, if not all, dermatologists to be an effective means of reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet light that can start the formation of skin cancers," said Murad Alam, a Northwestern University dermatologist.

There are three types of skin cancer -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two occur frequently among older people who are light-skinned but have spent a lot of time outdoors. Melanoma is the most serious but also a fairly rare cancer.

Sunscreens are ranked according to their sun-protection factor. Some sunscreens block only one form of harmful sunlight, ultraviolet B, while others block UVB and UVA-type light. The lawsuit said there was no standard to measure UVA protection.

Misguided Consumers

Also at issue is the claim of some products to be waterproof. The lawsuit alleges that the "waterproof" designation was deceptive because all sunscreen products lose their effectiveness when immersed in water. And that's something that dermatologists have known for a long time, says Bruce E. Katz, MD, the medical director of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City. "A lot of sunscreens that claim to be waterproof really are not," he says. "They may be water-resistant, but people still have to reapply sunscreen after swimming or perspiring after sports." The truth is there is not a reliable way to measure UVA, he says. "Sun protection factor (SPF) is really is a measure of UVB, not UVA, so that is definitely an issue. Other sun safety tips include avoiding sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (when the sun is the strongest) and wearing protective clothing, a hat with a wide rim, and sunglasses. "It's not a good idea to rely solely on your sunscreen," Katz says.

The lawsuit seeks to recover money that consumers spent on sunscreen products. Every year, consumers spend $445 million on sunscreens and tanning products. The lawsuit suit packs a potentially major economic punch to the companies.