The Skin Cancer Foundation Comments on the FDA’s New Proposed Sunscreen Regulations

New York, NY (February 25, 2019) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a proposed rule that would update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States. The proposal addresses sunscreen active ingredient safety, dosage forms, and sun protection factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum requirements. It also proposes updates to how products are labeled to make it easier for consumers to identify key product information.

The Skin Cancer Foundation applauds the FDA for working to elevate standards for effective sun protection. The Foundation has been a leader in this space for 40 years. In 1981 the Foundation launched the Seal of Recommendation program, which was designed to help consumers find safe and effective sunscreens. At the time, there was little public awareness about sunscreen and its connection to preventing skin cancer. The Foundation’s Photobiology Committee (experts in the interaction of ultraviolet light and skin) set the standard for sun protection by establishing a minimum of SPF 15 for inclusion in the program. In 2012 the Seal of Recommendation program adopted a UVA protection requirement that recognized the importance of broad-spectrum protection in all sunscreen products. The Foundation continually monitors advances in the industry so it can provide the public with the tools they need to prevent the world’s most common cancer.

As science and technology have advanced over the past several years to dramatically improve the efficacy of sunscreens, continued evaluation of the regulations associated with them is necessary, as is the evaluation of new UV filters that are currently available outside the U.S.

Sunscreens are an important part of a complete sun protection strategy, but the public should be aware that there are many ways to protect yourself from the sun, including seeking shade and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. For more information about The Skin Cancer Foundation and its Seal of Recommendation program, visit SkinCancer.org/Seal.

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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.