The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently adopted new measures related to sunscreen to protect the public from excessive exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

·         New standards for testing the efficacy of sunscreen

·         Establish new maximum limit of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50+ for all sunscreens. 

·         Request data from manufacturers on protection against UV radiation and levels of SPF protection for spray sunscreens in addition to information on risk associated with inhaling sunscreen as it is applied

·         Instructions for manufacturers on how to test and label sunscreens according to the new measures

·         Manufacturers can no longer claim their product is a water or sweat proof, is a “sunblock” or offers instant protection unless they submit data and are granted approval from the FDA

The new system will be implemented by the FDA next summer and should assist the public in choosing the sunscreen that offers the greatest degree of protection. 

·         Products labeled “Broad Spectrum” will offer protection from both UVA and UVB radiation and

·         Broad Spectrum Sunscreens that offer an SPF of 15 or greater can reduce the risk of early skin aging and skin cancer when used with hats, sunglasses and other sun protection measures

·         Sunscreens not labeled as Broad Spectrum will only protect against sunburn

·         Products that are not Broad Spectrum with SPF of 15 or greater will be labeled with a “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert”

·         Water/Sweat resistance will also be tested and for products making such claims two time increments will be acceptable before re-application is required 40 minutes or 80 minutes