Regulations > SPF/Sun | Cosmetics & Toiletries

Reporting requirements apply to certain uses of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) and concern their estimated annual emissions. The information will be submitted annually to the ECHA.

EU/UK Regulatory Update: 2025 Recap of Key Changes for Cosmetics — Wastewater, Siloxanes, TPO, Microplastics and More

This article provides an overview of 2025's key cosmetic regulatory developments in the UK and EU. Highlights include updates on SPF tests, EU cosmetic regulation review, micropollutants, siloxanes, TPO bans, microplastics, UK REACH and packaging EPR.

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PCR Responds to Allegations of Misleading SPF Reports, Unethical Practices

PCR has released a statement responding to recent headlines on "SPF retesting, media reports and misinformation," citing flaws in re-testing, low-quality raw materials and insufficient credentials for the industry expert cited in our reports.

Preservation, Reimagined: Hybrid Antimicrobial Strategies for Safer, More Natural, Skin‑Protective Personal Care Products

Preservation, Reimagined: Hybrid Antimicrobial Strategies for Safer, More Natural, Skin‑Protective Personal Care Products

Nature-aligned boosters transform preservation from necessity into value-adding benefit.

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Sci Pharm Test Tool

SciPharm Unveils Audit Kit for Sunscreen Test Report Evaluation

Recharge Skin in the Digital Age: Rethinking Longevity with SkinCharge CLR™

Recharge Skin in the Digital Age: Rethinking Longevity with SkinCharge CLR™

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Regulatory Alerts: L'Oréal, La Roche-Posay, Edgewell, Hawaiian Tropic, Sun Bum and Colgate Suits; Australian Microbead Recalls; and More

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The Lowdown on Australia's Sunscreen Crisis — And How The U.S. Avoided a Similar One

Brian Ecclefield helps us dig into the sunscreen testing report, highlighting discrepancies and what the lab appears to have gotten wrong.

[special report] What the Testing Lab Got Wrong: Brian Ecclefield on the Australian Sunscreen Labeling Crisis

Many of Australia's recalled sunscreens were validated by the same testing lab, Princeton Consumer Research (PCR). Here, Brian Ecclefield helps us dig into the testing report, highlighting discrepancies and what the lab appears to have gotten wrong.

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EU Regulatory Update: A Reminder on Rules for Sunscreen Standards — Plus Two New Tests for SPF

The UK and EU have defined how sunscreens are made, marketed and labeled, as well as established new ISO test methods. This update highlights key developments in SPF testing, and UVA protection and compliance standards for sun care across Europe.

Skin vs. Climate Chaos: Building Resilience in Real Time

Skin vs. Climate Chaos: Building Resilience in Real Time

As climate instability reshapes skin behavior, beauty innovation is entering a new era. Adaptive skincare is evolving to help skin not just protect itself but thrive in a constantly changing world. Discover Gattefossé’s approach in the field of bioactives and sensorial functional ingredients.

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Proposed SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act Gives U.S. Consumers New Hope for Better Sun Protection

The legislation was introduced to streamline the FDA's review process of the effectiveness and safety of new ingredients for nonprescription sunscreens.

The company is currently facing a class action lawsuit over its Sound Body sunscreen that contains ingredients alleged to harm coral reefs — despite the products being advertised as “reef conscious.”

[interview] Big Lots Faces Lawsuit for 'Reef-conscious' Sunscreen Allegedly Harmful to Reefs

The company is currently facing a class action lawsuit over its Sound Body sunscreen that contains ingredients alleged to harm coral reefs — despite the products being advertised as “reef conscious.”

'[Sunscreen] developers will be able to innovate more efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and safety for consumers.'

[update] How ISO's Endorsement of Two Test Methods Will Enlighten Sunscreen Development

After 10 years, sunscreen developers are nearing the finish line for more ethical, cost efficient, reliable and faster testing thanks to ISO's endorsement of two standards. The final vote was in September 2024. Here, two experts explain what this means.

The EWG approves only one in four sunscreens, which has lead to criticism for fearmongering from the PCPC.

[updated] EWG Releases 2024 Sunscreen Guidelines, PCPC Pushes Back

The EWG approves only one in four sunscreens, which has lead to criticism for fearmongering from the PCPC.

Woman Applying Sunscreen At Beach Adobe Stock 158259786

Walmart, Target Flagged for 'Deceptive' Reef-friendly Sunscreen Claims

Walmart and Target have both been hit with proposed class actions over "reef friendly" sunscreen claims due the their organic UV filters, consumer perception and fluctuating evidence over coral bleaching. What direction should formulators take?

These examples clearly call into question what it means to consumers when they see the 'reef friendly' claim on a label.

'Reef Friendly' Claims Put Hain Celestial, Hawaiian Tropic in the Hot Seat

While Edgewell's Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen was dismissed from the alleged deceptive claim of "reef friendly," Hain Celestial's Alba Botanica is still in the hot seat. How are reef safe claims being interpreted?

DSM has gained the support of 11 U.S congress members in order to change the ruling of sunscreen as a 'weather-related' protector into a more broad definition in order to require employers to provide sunscreen for employees.

DSM Gains Congressional Support to Declare Sunscreen as PPE

DSM has gained the support of 11 U.S. Congress members to change the designation of sunscreen as a "weather-related" protector to a more critical component of PPE, in order to require employers to provide sunscreen for employees.

The company responded stating its entire sun-care range is free of the two ingredients that are harmful toward reefs: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Bondi Sands 'Reef Friendly' Sunscreen Hit with Class Action Suit

The class action suit in the United States alleges the company's sunscreens claim to be "reef friendly" while they are harmful to the environment.

Initially designated as drugs in the U.S., sunscreens have been stifled under regulations and bureaucracy. This article reviews how it came to this, where current regulations stand and proposes a few “pipe dream” solutions.

Sunscreens and Pipe Dreams for their Regulation in the US

Initially designated as drugs in the U.S., sunscreens have been stifled under regulations and bureaucracy. This article reviews how it came to this, where current regulations stand and proposes a few “pipe dream” solutions.