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Person applying orange-capped sunscreen on hand while sitting outdoors

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.

Child applying sunscreen at beach, wearing red sunglasses on sunny day

FDA Endorses Bemotrizinol Amid Push for Modernized OTC and Sunscreen Standards

The U.S. FDA has proposed adding bemotrizinol, a globally recognized UV filter, to the list of approved active ingredients for OTC sunscreens, responding to advocacy from organizations like DSM-Firmenich.

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SciPharm Unveils Audit Kit for Sunscreen Test Report Evaluation

The audit kit is a three-part solution tailored to ensure accuracy and adherence to international testing standards.

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Comprehensive Review Confirms Safety of Avobenzone UV Filter

The review concluded avobenzone has a strong safety profile, shows minimal absorption through the skin, and presents no significant toxicological risks when used within approved concentrations.

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

The cosmetics and personal care industry is facing a wave of legal battles and regulatory updates, highlighting concerns over product safety, labeling accuracy and compliance with evolving standards. Following is an overview.

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

This report examines the current status of the sunscreen labeling crisis in Australia, including what went wrong and ways to move forward — plus how the U.S. avoided a similar crisis. It also considers whether the industry has reached its SPF limit.

Person applying sunscreen on shoulder near swimming pool with turquoise water

Safety Alert: Sunscreen 'Doping' and Foam Formats Raise Red Flags

Recent regulatory attention highlights both hidden sunscreen actives in cosmetic products, and the legal gray zone of mousse-format sunscreens — prompting calls for clearer labeling and format approval.

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.

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.

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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.

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PCPC, CHPA Respond to FDA’s Latest Findings on Sunscreen Absorption

In response to part two of the FDA’s sunscreen ingredient maximal usage trial, published in January 2020 in JAMA, the (PCPC) and (CHPA) released a statement reassuring consumers of product safety.

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DSM Seeks FDA Sunscreen Monograph Approval of Bemotrizinol

DSM believes it is important for consumers in the USA to benefit from the efficacy and aesthetics that modern filters such as BEMT can provide. As such, the company is pushing for Monograph status.