Dermatologist Dr. Adewole Adamson is concerned about the lack of proper sunscreen usage among people at his pool in Austin, Texas. The issue goes beyond people simply not using enough sunscreen – it also involves the ingredients in the sunscreen being used. The FDA is limited in its ability to approve more effective sunscreens due to a 1938 law that requires animal testing and classification as drugs, rather than cosmetics, as is done in other countries. This means that Americans may not have access to superior sunscreens that can provide better protection from ultraviolet rays that can lead to skin cancer and wrinkles.
Sunscreen manufacturers argue that the requirement for animal testing is unfair, as safety data was submitted to European Union authorities over 20 years ago. Companies are hesitant to go through the FDA process due to the cost and possible backlash from further animal testing, as the European Union bans animal testing of cosmetics, including sunscreen. A bipartisan bill is being considered in the House that would require the FDA to allow non-animal testing, in an effort to provide American consumers with the same quality of sunscreens available in other parts of the world.
Skin cancer is a serious concern in the United States, with at least two people dying of the disease every hour. It is the most common cancer in America, with millions of adults treated each year for various forms of the disease. Skin cancer is a costly problem, with billions of dollars spent on treatment annually, while most forms of the disease can largely be prevented through the use of sunscreen and other precautions. Despite the success rates of skin cancer treatment, 1 in 5 Americans will develop the disease by age 70.
There is misinformation surrounding the safety of sunscreens in the U.S., with some people opting for mineral or physical sunscreens over chemical ones, despite all sunscreen ingredients being chemicals. Concerns were raised by the FDA’s announcement that older sunscreen ingredients needed further study to determine safety, leading to skepticism among some consumers. Austin dermatologist Dr. Adamson believes that the current sunscreens are safe and that the issue lies in their lack of effective UVA protection, which could be improved by allowing new ingredients.
Ultraviolet radiation, made up of UVA and UVB rays, is responsible for a range of skin issues including aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. American sunscreens are primarily focused on blocking UVB rays, but some studies have shown that they may not meet the higher UVA-blocking standards set by the European Union. Newer sunscreen chemicals with better safety profiles and UVA protection are being developed, and organizations like the Environmental Working Group are advocating for FDA approval to allow market access for these improved products.
As debates continue in Congress and the FDA over sunscreen regulations, many Americans are resorting to importing sunscreens from other countries like Europe and Asia, despite the risks of counterfeit products. The slow approval process for new sunscreen ingredients is a concern for many, as the FDA has yet to make progress on applications for new UV filters. Companies like DSM-Firmenich are working to gain FDA approval for new ingredients like bemotrizinol, which could potentially be the safest and most effective sunscreen ingredient on the market if approved.
