Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Questions are mounting about the safety and efficacy of American sunscreens — for good reason, Carly writes.
Why it matters: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, so protection against sun damage is key to reducing risk.
“People on social media are saying: ‘I don’t need sunscreen,'” says Henry Lim, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Yes, but: “There’s very strong science that the sun is causing problems from skin cancer to sunburn to wrinkles,” says Lim.
🖼️ The big picture: Compared to the U.S., Europe has more approved active sunscreen ingredients, he says.
Sunscreens should have broad spectrum protection — meaning they protect against both UVA rays (often associated with skin cancer and skin aging) and UVB exposure (responsible for sunburn).
🔎 Zoom in: The sunscreens in Europe currently offer better protection from UVA radiation compared to products in the U.S. because of better testing methods, Lim says.
The FDA has proposed regulation changes.
Between the lines: Europe, Australia and much of Asia treat sunscreen as a cosmetic, while the FDA regulates it as an over-the-counter drug, which requires more time to evaluate.
The FDA hasn’t approved a new UV filter for sunscreen in more than 20 years.
Newer sunscreen ingredients available elsewhere include bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole, DHHB and octyl triazone — filters more efficient at absorbing UV rays and less likely to penetrate skin than U.S.-approved ones, says cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong.
What we’re watching: American sunscreens may be starting to catch up. Bemotrizinol could be approved by the FDA “hopefully” this year, Lim says.
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