Regulations > SPF/Sun | Cosmetics & Toiletries

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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

'[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

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.

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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?

Remastered Fragments™: Smart, Ethical Innovation in Skincare

Fragments remastered™ fuses biotech and sustainability to deliver biomimetic protein fragments via vertical farming. These actives boost collagen, elasticity, and skin structure—clinically proven, ethical, and eco-conscious skincare innovation.

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.

P. oceana seagrass is endemic to the international coasts of the Mediterranean in tourism hotspots exposed to sunscreens.

Seagrass Rhizomes Accumulate UV Filters and Parabens, Study Finds

A recent study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin found that rhizomes of the seagrass Posidonia oceana off the international coasts of the Mediterranean have accumulated UV filters and the preservative methylparaben.

One of the biggest causes of skin aging is UV exposure, making SPF almost a requirement for anti-aging creams. Here, the author describes how SPF regulations led to sun protection claims on anti-aging products; he also posits whether they are pertinent.

Keeping Cosmetics in Check: SPF in Anti-aging Products

One of the biggest causes of skin aging is UV exposure, making SPF almost a requirement for anti-aging creams. Here, the author describes how SPF regulations led to sun protection claims on anti-aging products; he also posits whether they are pertinent.

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FDA Moves to Improve Quality, Safety and Efficacy of Sunscreens

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced recent activities that are part of its ongoing implementation of new authorities for certain over-the-counter drugs including sunscreens.

Concerns are growing that lotions used for sun protection are harming slow-growing corals.

Thailand Bans 'Coral-Damaging' Sunscreens

The banned sunscreen lotions are those containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben.

The study authors argue that the materials are potential carcinogens and could behave as estrogen disruptors.

UPDATE: Report Targets Benzophenone and Octocrylene in Sunscreens

The research mentioned in the Bloomberg report has since elicited a detailed rebuttal from an author at the University Hospital of Zurich.