New regulations for sunscreen products
 The FDA is completing sunscreen label changes designed to give consumers a better idea of the sun protection they’re getting.
The highpoints
- Sunscreens will be subjected to lab and human skin tests using a standardized sun simulator.
- Manufacturers must provide information on the amount of ultraviolet A (UVA) screening provided by their products.
- UVA rays don’t cause sunburn, but contribute to skin cancer and sun-related skin aging.
- Manufacturers will be prohibited from claiming sun protection factors (SPF) of more than 50+.
- Very high SPF sunscreens will disappear from stores.
- Although manufacturers might challenge this one.
- The terms “sunblock,” “waterproof,” “sweat-proof,” and “all-day protection” will no longer be allowed on sunscreen labels.
The bottom line?
The FDA has also proposed a 4-star rating system to classify sunscreens.
Sunscreen manufacturers will have a year to 18 months after the new rules are enacted to make the label changes or provide scientific evidence justifying a higher SPF rating.
5/26/09 15:11 JR