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Evaluation of Ultraviolet Protection Claims Made by Umbrellas
Conference poster

Evaluation of Ultraviolet Protection Claims Made by Umbrellas

Nia Gyongyosi, Grace Axelson, Amelia Hilbert and Erum Ilyas
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, v 93(3), pp AB204-AB204
Sep 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.05.809

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to review and evaluate umbrellas sold in the United States for sun protection. Seeking shade is among the current recommendations for protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, often through the use of handheld umbrellas (HU), beach umbrellas (BU), and patio umbrellas (PU). The study aims to assess the validity of manufacturers' ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) claims and determine if there is sufficient testing data to support these claims. Methods: To evaluate consumer online shopping behavior for umbrellas for use as shade in the sun, keywords and keyword phrases were identified followed by Google and Amazon searches to determine brands and products retrieved. The top 13 brands and corresponding products were evaluated for their UV protection claims and validation of these claims. Results: Of the 37 products including HU, BU, and PU, umbrellas for sun protection are more likely to be marketed with a UPF claim despite a 95% CI for a validated UPF claim of 2% to 10% with the breakdown for HU as (0%,50%), BU (14.3%, 87.5%), and PU (0%,0%). Conclusions: Umbrella product claims for UPF may draw in consumers but must be validated to ensure adequate UV protection. As many testing methods may not accurately reflect real-life conditions and long-term use for a product designed to be exposed to environmental hazards, there is a need for umbrella users to practice additional sun protective behaviors like wearing sunscreen and UPF clothing.

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