The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation is granted to sun protection products that have been reviewed by and meet the stringent criteria of a volunteer Photobiology Committee. The Seal is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection that is recognized by consumers worldwide.
One of the first programs offered by the Foundation, it quickly gained acceptance from consumers for setting the standard for effective sun protection with sunscreen products, sunglasses, specially treated auto and residential window film, umbrellas, clothing and laundry products that wash UV protection into clothing.
Here are the main points in the FDA’s new sunscreen rules:
- Sunscreens may be labeled “broad-spectrum” if they provide protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
- Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can state that they protect again skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
- Sunscreens with an SPF of 2-14 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
- The terms “sunblock”, “sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.
- A sunscreen may claim to be “water resistant”; however, the product must specify if it offers 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
- Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication.
- Sunscreen manufacturers will have one year to comply with the FDA ruling; smaller companies will have two years.
- The ingredients in sunscreens marketed today have been used for many years and FDA does not have any reason to believe these products are not safe for consumer use.
- The FDA reiterated that sunscreen alone is not enough, and should be used in conjunction with a complete sun protection regimen, including seeking shade, wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses.
