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Read The Label: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50

The UK formulation combines newly approved BEMT with known filters, making it poised for US adoption.

Person applying white sunscreen or moisturizer lotion to shoulder in sunny outdoor setting

Decoding Beauty Breakthroughs: Coty Files Patents for Protect + Repair Sunscreens

Coty aims to demonstrate the benefits of thermoprotecting agents for skin damage.

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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.

Smiling woman in olive bikini holding blue sunscreen bottle on rocky beach

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.

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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.

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.

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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Expert Opinions: Sun Protection

In our April edition of Expert Opinions, we ask experts about sun protection and what that means for DNA protection factors, eco concerns, pigment alternatives, user safety and more.

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Sunscreen Data Requests, Misperceptions and the Public Health Crisis

"The FDA is not saying 40% of sunscreens (or whatever) do not meet its rules for safety and effectiveness—not to the extent the EWG is suggesting." But the FDA also is muddying the waters, according to PASS Coalition adviser Michael Werner.

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Guiding Sunscreen Traffic Across the Globe

Sunscreens are classified and regulated differently around the world. For instance, the United States considers sunscreens as OTC products, while Canada has a two-part classification system; other places classify sunscreens as cosmetics. Labeling and registering differ worldwide as well. In some cases, labels require certain Drug Facts or safety registration numbers, among others. This article reviews these differences.

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Effective Sunscreens for Everyone Under the Sun

Today, we take the effectiveness of sunscreen products for granted. As the industry knows, this performance is not simply a happy coincidence. Here, we review the steps in the sun care R&D process and consider where questions may arise.

New U.S. UV Filters and the Cosmetic Outlook in Canada for Sunscreens

Skin cancer is the most common cancer today, but only recently has industry pressure and political leadership compelled changes in the North American regulatory paradigm of sunscreen products. The passage of the Sunscreen Innovation Act in the United States and the suggestion to regulate sunscreens as cosmetics in Canada would give regulators the tools to reboot a stalled approval system.

Sunscreen Regulations: Why 'Final' is Not the Right Word

Over the past 25 years, no category of “cosmetics” has seen change like sunscreens. This discussion reviews how current regulations have come to be, and looks to where they are headed.

FDA Rule for Broad-spectrum Labeling: Key Substrate Findings

UVA protection is part of the mandatory testing for claiming broad-spectrum sun protection. A worldwide standardization is in development with the ISO TC217, expected for UVA testing 2012. The FDA has issued a final rule following Colipa’s proposed UVA in vitro method. While this rule establishes UVA labeling and testing, inconsistencies remain. This study compares the critical wavelength in roughness and application before and after two levels of UV doses.

Harmonizing Cosmetics Standards: ISO

The importance of harmonization continues to grow. Past and present standard-setting work by ISO, such as in microbiology and sun protection, is laying the foundation for future bridges across regulatory gaps.

Regulatory Review—Titanium Dioxide

This column will discuss titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 is the most frequently used ingredient in cosmetics after water (aqua), fragrance (parfum), methylparaben, propylparaben, glycerin and propylene glycol, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program.