PCPC Formally Responds to EWG's 'Unscientific' Sunscreen Report

Posted: July 2, 2009

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"The 2009 EWG report also alleges that many sunscreens contain ingredients that break down significantly when they are exposed to sunlight, stop working effectively in a short period of time, and do not contain stabilizing ingredients. However, sunscreen formulators carefully formulate their products to take into account all of the physical and chemical properties of the active ingredients to make sure they perform as required and meet all of the requirements established by FDA, which include chemical stability in the formulation.

"EWG purports to give consumers expert recommendations and guidelines about the safest, most effective sunscreens to buy through its own rating system it has invented. However, the group has used a method to calculate SPF and UVA values that is recognized to not accurately or reliably predict these values.

“Further, EWG does not possess expertise in the complex and evolving science of sunscreen formulation and testing and has ignored the weight of evidence in the international scientific community on the safety of sunscreens. Consumers who have questions about sunscreen use and the safety and efficacy of sunscreens should visit the FDA's Web site or the Personal Care Products Council's consumer information Web site.

"As the FDA works to finalize its revised sunscreen regulations, the Council has submitted technical and scientific comments supported by sound science that we believe would improve the final monograph. FDA is considering these comments, along with thousands of others that have been submitted to the agency and will publish their conclusions after that review is complete. We encourage FDA to take these comments into account and to allocate the resources necessary to enable the agency to issue the final regulations as soon as possible."

For more information on sunscreen regulations, visit SPF/UV Filters.