Professional Documents
Culture Documents
3 18
3 Review of FDA Sunscreen Regulations
by Nadim Shaath
Sunscreen Regulations
in the US
The US Food and Drug Administration’s goal to finalize the Sunscreen
Monograph by November 26, 2019 is totally unrealistic—here’s why.
T
he Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drug Review is the pro- The ultimate goal when this rule-making process is complet-
cess established by the United States Food and Drug ed by the FDA is the establishment of a final monograph for sun
Administration (FDA) to evaluate the safety and effective- care OTC therapeutic drug category.
ness of OTC drug products marketed in the US before May 11, The call for safety and efficacy data for sunscreen products
1972. It also established the conditions under which OTC drug was issued on December 12, 1972 (37 FR 26456) and the resulting
products are considered Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective data submission were reviewed by an Advisory Review Panel on
(GRASE) and not misbranded. Ultraviolet filters are then classi- OTC Topical Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Otic, Burn, and Sunburn
fied into three categories: Prevention and Treatment Products. A recommended monograph
was published as an Advance Notice for Public Record (ANPR)
Category I – GRASE items (permitted at levels specified) on August 25, 1978 (43 FR 38206). The ANPR listed 21 sunscreen
Category II – Non-GRASE items (not permitted for use active ingredients that were classified as GRASE (Category I)
in sunscreens) under the conditions described in the panel’s report (see Table
Category III – Requiring additional safety data prior to use. I). Fifteen years later, on May 12, 1993, the FDA published a
Tentative Final Monograph (TFM) (58 FR 28194) which excluded Table II: FDA Approved Ultraviolet Filters in 1999
padimate-A and approved the remaining 20 ultraviolet filters as
GRASE at specified maximum concentrations. Active Ingredient Maximum Concentration (%)
The highlights of the 2019 Proposed Rule are as follows: require records of the testing of sunscreen products to be main-
1. Proposed GRASE status of active ingredients listed tained for one year after three years from the distribution of the
in the stayed 1999 Final Monograph. According to the FDA, last lot of the product. Other revisions will be also be required.
only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (at concentrations of up to 6. Proposed Status of Sunscreen/Insect Repellent
25%) are GRASE and Category I ingredients. Two other ingre- Combination Products. The FDA proposes to classify these
dients, namely PABA and trolamine salicylate, were classified as products as Category II because of incompatibilities between
Category II; i.e., can no longer be used in sunscreen products. FDA and EPA labeling requirements.
The FDA proposed that the remaining 12 ingredients be classified 7. Proposed Actions to Effectuate Lifting of Stay and
as Category III; i.e., require further testing prior to approval as Harmonize Impacted Regulations. The FDA proposes lifting
Category I. The FDA acknowledges that all 12 of these UV filters the stay on the 1999 Final Monograph subject to the revision of
have limited data—or no data—characterizing their skin absorp- this proposed Final Rule.
tion. It specifically singled out oxybenzone as being absorbed
through the skin to a greater extent than previously understood. Comments and Observations
2. Proposed Requirements Related to Dosage Forms. In The new 2019 FDA Sunscreen Regulations Proposal is a “well
2011, the FDA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule written” and “thorough” document.2 It is, however, at least five
Making (ANPR) identifying sunscreen dosage forms. This new years too late, as the long wait and the uncertainty in regula-
2019 proposal identifies the following dosage forms as Category tions have put a major damper on our efforts to seek newer, safer
I:“oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments and sticks.” and more effective UV filters. Their approval would have allowed
As for “sprays” they would be considered Category I subject to cosmetic and sunscreen chemists to create superior formulations
further testing necessary to minimize potential risks from unin- that better protect consumers. Today we have a rag-tag collec-
tended inhalation (particle size restrictions), flammability, drying tion of UV filters that the current FDA proposal has deemed all
time testing and related labeling requirements. The FDA propos- but two (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) as Category I GRASE
es to classify “powders” as Category III and that sunscreens in all filters to use. Two others, trolamine salicylate and PABA, were
other dosage forms, including “wipes, towelettes, body wash and banned and relegated to Category II (non-GRASE items) and the
shampoos,” are new drugs because the FDA did not receive data remaining 12 filters were classified as Category III filters requiring
showing that they were marketed prior to 1972, as required for extensive safety data before being reapproved. Fortunately, the
inclusion in the monograph. FDA is allowing their use in current formulations until the Final
3. Proposed Maximum SPF and Broad-Spectrum Require- Regulations become effective on November 26, 2019. However,
ments. The 1978 ANPR set SPF 15 as the maximum labeled SPF the FDA released a second document which explained its evalu-
value, the 1999 Final Monograph (now stayed) established SPF ation of the economic impact of the proposed regulation and
30+ as the maximum labeled SPF value and subsequently in 2011 indicated that if industry was willing to provide the safety data
raised the value to 50+. In this Proposed Rule (2019) the maxi- required, FDA would implement a five-year stay on the organic
mum allowed will be an SPF of 60+. FDA also proposes to permit UV filters which have been proposed to be listed as category III.
the marketing of SPF values up to 80 and would allow sunscreen The FDA expects that industry will defend 6 of the 12 filters (oxy-
products with SPF values above 80 with an approved NDA. The benzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and oc-
FDA has raised concerns about the potential for inadequate UVA tocrylene). This is unlikely to happen but is under debate within
protection—particularly in high SPF sunscreen products. To ad- the industry.
dress these concerns, FDA proposed that all sunscreen products What are the salient features of the proposal?
with SPF values of 15 and above satisfy broad spectrum require- The deadline that the FDA set, November 26, 2019, was
ments and meet UVAI/UV ratio of 0.7 or higher. Finally, FDA is imposed by the Sunscreen Innovation Act (SIA) that the PASS
proposing that testing at SPF 30 or more be labeled in increments Coalition successfully lobbied for in Congress, and the law was
of 10; i.e., SPF 30, 40, 50 and 60+; and sunscreen testing at SPF signed by President Obama on Nov. 26, 2014. The SIA set a five-
15 to 29 be labeled in increments of 5; i.e., SPF 15, 20 25; and no year maximum timeline for Final Regulations in Sunscreens to
ranges are required for SPFs below 15. be enacted.
4. Proposed PDP Labeling Requirements. A major feature I would have preferred that sunscreens be treated as special
of the Principal Display Panel is the Statement of Identity (SOI). cosmetics, as they are regulated in most of the rest of the world,
The FDA proposes that the SOI consist of alphabetical listing of and not as OTC drugs. If sunscreens were regulated as cosmetics,
the sunscreen active ingredients in the product, followed by“sun- we would have had by now an efficient set of safe and effective
screen” and the product’s dosage form, such as lotion or spray. ultraviolet filters that would have afforded our consumers much
Other changes to the format of the PDP are also proposed. better protection particularly from the now well-documented
5. Proposed Requirements Related to Final Formulation harmful UVA radiation. That decision, apparently, is not forth-
Testing Process and Record Keeping. The FDA is proposing to coming soon as the FDA is reluctant to allow the reclassification
of sunscreens as “cosmetics” even though they are mandated to degree or another. The solution? Approve the TEA ingredients
enforce cosmetic regulations. This new FDA proposal failed to that have high molecular weights (based on the Dalton 500 rule)
comment on the status of the six TEA UV filters that we sorely and encourage the introduction of other novel filters emanating
need. Several of those TEA ingredients are excellent UVA filters from research in academia and industry.
with great safety and repeated use records, and these ingredients The new FDA proposal approved as GRASE (Category I) only
were designed in compliance with the Dalton 500 Rule that mini- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It focused on two other Category
mizes skin penetration. But the FDA is requesting the same type III ingredients, namely oxybenzone and avobenzone. The FDA
of additional safety data for the TEA candidates as well, so we are is requiring extensive MUsT and DART testing at a minimum
years away from getting these approved. for both avobenzone and oxybenzone. I presume the remain-
The new FDA proposal has a multitude of new regulations that ing items, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, sulisobenzone, padimate O,
have been thrust upon the industry with major consequences for meradimate, ensulizole, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate and
the future of sunscreens and that of skin cancer prevention. What octocrylene, would be rendered useless or unapproved if no com-
follows is my review of the main issues in the FDA Proposal. pany in our industry has the will, the courage, the time and the
money to go through with the proposed extensive testing for ap-
Proposed GRASE status of active ingredients proval as GRASE UV filters. If a gallant company comes forward
At a time when the industry is fending off the barrage of criti- and submits the necessary FDA safety data, what will prevent an-
cism leveled at oxybenzone (I am not a fan of this ingredient) other supplier that did not foot this huge testing bill from selling
for destroying coral reefs, the FDA clearly questioned the“human those ingredients on the market once approved by the FDA for a
safety”profile of this ingredient, citing excessive permeability into much lower price and gain a competitive advantage?
the skin and even its endocrine disrupting potential. The state of It is my belief, that the FDA has jumped the gun by throwing
Hawaii; the island of Palau; Key West, Florida and others have this monkey wrench into industry regulations without at least ap-
passed ordinances banning oxybenzone and octinoxate from use proving alternative filters (such as the TEA, or other new ingredi-
in sunscreen products, mostly for environmental concerns. But ents) that would fill in the gap temporarily to achieve the desired
by questioning their “human safety,” FDA has doomed their ap- UV protection. The consumer is bound to question the safety of
proval as Category I ingredients in the future. those 12 Category III filters, as the FDA has done, and calls for
The US sunscreen industry has been relying on the “archaic” their removal from our current formulations will undoubtedly be
Category I filters (12 of the remaining 16 filters are now Category heard soon.
III requiring extensive safety testing before they can be classi-
fied as Category I) to formulate all of their sunscreen products. Proposed Maximum SPF and Broad-Spectrum Requirements
The FDA’s intransigence by not allowing any new filters to be The FDA has acquiesced to industry sunscreen manufacturers’
introduced into the US market and setting unrealistic barriers demands to increase the upper limit of labeled SPF on sunscreen
and standards, has discouraged basic research for the creation products. It is ironic, but the FDA has doubled the SPF cap exactly
of new filters. Today, the sunscreen industry does not have one every 20 years. In 1978 FDA set the upper limit at 15. FDA dou-
“patented” active ingredient on this list of 12 filters that a single bled it in 1999 to 30+. Now, in 2019, the cap has been raised to
company can afford to spend the money and time required to 60+. In fact, the FDA has indicated that it will consider the mar-
establish its safety and satisfy the FDA’s requirements for approv- keting of sunscreen products set as high as 80! FDA’s justification
al. Which company today is going to submit data that include is based, among other considerations, upon the fact that when
the Maximum Usage Trial (MUsT) test for skin permeability, the testing for the SPF 60 cap, the error in the calculations is about
Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity (DART) tests for endo- 30%, hence the value of 80! FDA reported several studies that
crine disrupting activities and any other FDA requests to satisfy justified its call for higher SPF products, including several studies
the drug requirements of those filters? These filters are currently for “at-risk” populations. These included Ulrich et al.’s research
sold by numerous vendors, not just one, and their sale to the in- on protection for organ transplant recipients who are susceptible
dustry is, at best, only in the millions to low tens of millions of to non-melanoma skin cancers,3 Kuhn et al. showing prevention
dollars annually. They are not cancer-treatment drugs or blood of skin lesions in topical lupus erythmatosis patients,4 Faurschou
pressure reducing medicines or cholesterol modifying drugs that et al.’s reporting the prevention of urticarial reactions in subjects
sell for hundreds of millions or billions of dollars a year. The re- with idiopathic solar urticarial5 and Fourtanier et al.’s work show-
turn on investment is simply not there. ing lower levels of polymorphous light eruption.6 Thus, for the
I agree with the premise that dermal permeability testing vast majority of sunscreen users, those that are not transplant
(MUsT test or equivalent) should be performed on all current recipients, do not have lupus erythematosus or idiopathic solar
and future UV filters, all 12 currently characterized as category III urticaria or polymorphous light eruptions, will now be subjected
ingredients would fail the test as they are low molecular weight to SPF products with up to a value of 80, loaded with possibly
compounds that would inevitably permeate the skin to one re-approved Category III ingredients or simply formulations with
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only zinc or titanium oxides. All the previous arguments we heard above, critical wavelength 370nm and above as well as a UVA I/
for not raising the cap to more than 50+ were not considered, in- UV Ratio of at least 0.7, and providing “a more uniform amount
cluding international harmonization (the rest of the world has set of radiation protection across the UVA I, UVA II and UVB ranges”
50+ as the cap), insufficient data warranting products higher than (page 6235). Moreover, the FDA Proposed Rule claims that intro-
50+, the false sense of protection for using SPFs higher than 50 duction of UVA I/UV Ratio will eliminate higher SPF value prod-
and staying much longer in the sun, and the unnecessary expo- ucts which may provide poorer broad-spectrum protection than a
sure to more UV active ingredients, especially the now-dreaded product labeled as broad spectrum with a lower SPF value.
so-called chemical UV filters. Those arguments have unfortu- The FDA defines how ratio calculations shall be performed.
nately been ignored! The respective numbers used to calculate UVA I/UV ratio are
The FDA acknowledges “variability in SPF values is exac- represented by the Area Under the Curve (AUC) per unit wave-
erbated at high SPF” yet it looks like higher than SPF 50+ will length. Similar logic follows ratio calculations in Boots Star rating
be the norm in the future of sunscreens. In response, the FDA system used in the UK. To illustrate this process, and to verify the
has introduced the so-called stricter requirements for measuring FDA statement claiming that Product 2 passes, whereas Product
broad spectrum and UVA protection. 1 fails the new requirement, charts depicted on page 6235 of
The last question that I pose in defense of lower caps, rather the proposed rule were used for this demonstration. To define
than higher SPF caps, is: how on Earth are we to achieve aes- numerical values of AUC for UVA I and UV spectral ranges, re-
thetically-pleasing, low-cost, mass-marketed beach products of spective areas were cut out from the chart and weighed on an
mandated higher SPFs and more efficient UVA protection with analytical balance. Results of the measurements were further di-
only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide? vided by the total number of wavelengths providing AUC/nm as
Other sweeping changes in the proposal include regulating shown below:
the labeling of SPF products according to the following table:
and in-vitro (UVA-PF) data. When comparing none-biologically sunscreens on the market today. Unfortunately, there are serious
weighted ratios, we are only left with one option: Boots and the challenges for formulating spray sunscreen products. Assuming
proposed FDA. The FDA ratio defines relationship between UVA the safety data required by the FDA (flammability risk and re-
I (340-400nm) and UV (290-400nm) spectra, whereas Boots ad- spiratory harm from inhalation) for spray products are passed, it
dress the relationship between UVA (320-400nm) and UVB (290- will be challenging, if not impossible, to produce aesthetically-
320nm). The fact that the FDA and Boots use different spectral pleasing spray formulations using only ZnO and TiO2 filters.
ranges to calculate respective ratios may result in products pass- These ingredients clog spray can valves and hence have not
ing one method and failing the other. been used to date to market aerosol propelled or bag-on-valve
Since ISO (former Colipa) seems to be accepted as the “in- spray sunscreen formulations. The cost of formulating inexpen-
ternational guideline,” we have attempted to compare the FDA sive beach products and mass-produced products is simply not
Proposed Rule Ratio calculations against ISO 24443. Among nine possible with the current inorganic particulate filters that are far
formulas tested, five passed the FDA Proposed Ratio and failed too expensive; compare the price of octyl salicylate to zinc oxide
ISO 24443. See two examples below: and you will see it is many times more expensive. Of course,
some of the 12 currently Category III filters may need to be re-
Example A
approved for use, especially the only available UVA absorber,
the photo-unstable avobenzone that is propped-up with UV
absorbing quenchers. Otherwise, no one will have a chance
of achieving broad spectrum high SPF aerosol propelled spray
products again.
The new FDA proposal has recommended that combination
products containing insect repellants and sunscreens be classi-
fied as Category III non-GRASE. The justification has been that
the FDA and EPA regulations have different requirements espe-
cially as they relate to labeling. The emphasis, however, has been
Example B
on the use of EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET and
IR 3535. Studies were presented that DEET may increase the skin
permeability of UV filters. Also, the recommended instructions to
reapply sunscreen after every two-hour of sun exposure subjects
the consumer to excessive amounts of the toxic insect repellent.
Therefore, one may ask, are the currently EPA-exempt natural
insect repellants (essential oils and other natural ingredients) al-
lowed in combination with sunscreens?
The FDA continues to skirt the issue of defining natural sun-
screens. The industry has created numerous products with nat-
ural claims by using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide inorganic
filters only. These filters are not even considered as chemicals by
The above graphs show that the FDA “Broad Spectrum” claim the consumer relegating that definition to the other UV absorb-
does not necessarily pass EU requirements. In the above exam- ers only! The FDA, however, addresses the fact that inorganic
ples, it failed ISO but passed FDA. Even though the Proposed particulates, especially titanium dioxide, are ingredients that are
FDA protocol is an improvement over the existing Critical wave- loaded with chemicals used for coating, emulsifying and solubi-
length test, it still does not guarantee conformity with interna- lizing those inorganic particulates to reduce their reactivity and
tional guidelines. To conclude, there are significant differences increase their usefulness (see p.6218). The FDA also ignores the
between all the in-vitro methods. fact that inorganic particulates have a dual function of both re-
Finally, if the only two ingredients that formulators are per- pelling and absorbing (through their inner d-orbitals) the sun’s
mitted to use are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, serious chal- radiation. This conflicting data reported by the FDA does not help
lenges are posed for producing an SPF product over 50. Also, in the least bit to define natural sunscreens on the market today.
passing these new broad spectrum claims of UVA I/UV will be The FDA acknowledges the photo-instability of the UVA
extremely difficult for titanium dioxide-only formulations. filter avobenzone. Astonishingly it recommends the use of UV
The other remaining issues that our sunscreen formulators absorbers for the photo-stabilization of avobenzone regardless
need to abide by are spray products and sunscreen-insect repel- whether these ingredients are approved Category I filters or not!
lent combination products. I surmise the FDA, in refusing to approve the photostable UVA
Sprays are one of the most popular methods for delivering European TEA filters, is turning a blind eye to the practice of
photo-stabilizing the only remaining, possibly to be approved, without saying that the pending TEA ingredients, or filters re-
photo-unstable UVA filter, avobenzone. sulting from the easing of the approval pathway for new, more
effective UVB and UVA filters that are less permeable to the
Nanotechnology skin and offer more stable and safer broad-spectrum protec-
Nanotechnology is used to explore, or manipulate materi- tion, may today be the only hope for formulating effective sun-
als measured in nanometers (nm) (billionths of a meter) and screens in the US. •
has applications in a wide range of products, including OTC
sunscreens. According to the FDA, materials at 1 to 100nm di- References:
mensions “can have different chemical, or physical or biological 1. FDA, Guidance for Industry,“Enforcement Policy—OTC Sunscreen Drug
effects compared to large-scale counterparts, making possible Products Marketed Without an Approved Application,” May 2018 (available
a variety of functional effects, and also potentially affecting at https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
the safety, effectiveness, or regulatory status of FDA-regulated Guidances/UCM259001), accessed June 7, 2018.
products” (See p. 6215). Despite these preceding far-reaching 2. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sun
statements on different properties of varying nano-sized ingre- screen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use. 21 CFR Parts 201,
dients, all grades of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide regardless 310, 347 and 352.
of their particle size are treated equally by their Category I sta- 3. Federal Register/Vol.84, No.38, February 26, 2019 Reference 176 on page 6262.
tus. The FDA is not proposing to categorically classify products 4. Federal Register/Vol.84, No.38, February 26, 2019 Reference 177 on page 6262.
manufactured using nanotechnology (or containing nanomate- 5. Federal Register/Vol.84, No.38, February 26, 2019 Reference 178 on page 6262.
rials) as GRASE or not GRASE solely based on this characteris- 6. Federal Register/Vol.84, No.38, February 26, 2019 Reference 179 on page 6262
tic. I guess, stay tuned!
An in-depth look at how ultraviolet radiation affects skin health and how it can be repaired.
W
HEN THE SKIN is exposed to excess ultraviolet (UV) ra- melanocytes in the epidermis exposed to UV. The melanocytes are
diation from the sun or from another light source, it neural cells that reside in the epidermis and some scholars say that
turns red and the consumer suffers the pain of sun- a tan is a signal that damage has occurred. Melanin is transferred
burn. This redness is the so-called solar erythema (reddening due to keratinocytes where it agglutinates around the nucleus of the
to the sun), a clinical manifestation of the inflammatory response keratinocytes and forms so-called supra-nuclear structures.
to damage caused by UV. The trigger of this inflammatory re- For a long time, it was believed by scientists and lay people,
sponse is DNA damage. Other clinical signs of sun damage can that a tan was a protective reaction of the skin. Of course, we
be observed after exposure to solar radiation. now know that this is not the case. There are many scientific pa-
In the days following the exposure, the skin’s immune system pers showing that the protection offered by a tan is minimal. In
is impaired, and the skin does not react to antigens for several days. a paper from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden,1 the authors
This immune damage manifests itself in the loss of the so-called report data indicating that there is no real difference in the gen-
Contact Hypersensitivity and of the Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity, eration of photodamage in tanned or non-tanned skin. Another
which last a few days after exposure. Interestingly enough, the UV example can be found in a paper2 by Japanese researchers which
dose necessary to inhibit the immune response is smaller than the clearly demonstrates that, under UV irradiation equivalent to
dose needed to elicit an erythema. several hours of solar exposure in Long Island (or Barcelona or
The skin also acquires a golden brown color, which is called Naples) in July, the number of photoproducts induced under a
facultative pigmentation, and is known in layman’s terms as a tan is only four times less than under a non-tanned skin.
tan; but this is only true for a portion of the population. Albinos, When exposure to solar radiation is prolonged over a lifetime,
those people unable to produce melanin, do not tan. Other peo- other manifestations occur, such as lentigo senilis (age spots) and
ple, albeit non-albino, get such a weak tan that, when they are elastosis, not to say of seborrheic keratosis and skin cancer. Yes,
asked about the behavior of their skin under solar radiation, they
say that they always burn and never tan. Among Caucasians, one
Sun damage is
also finds people who always tan without burning and acquire
more than skin deep.
colors that range from dark brown to golden with all the inter-
mediate shades. Many Mongolian Asians, when exposed to UV
radiation, acquire a dark lemon-yellow color, which they often
find unwelcome. Africans and African-Americans can burn when
exposed to UV, but in this case, it is more difficult to evaluate
clinically; i.e., by visual inspection, the onset of facultative pig-
mentation or sunburn.
What’s Happening
A tan is the consequence of the production of melanin by the
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the signs of aging and the rate of their appearance are linked to
one’s lifestyle!
Exposure to too much sunlight during one’s youth is revealed
later in life by the onset of age spots. This is particularly true in
Mongolian Asians but it is also often observed in Caucasians.
Age spots typically appear after the age of 50 on those skin areas
which have been frequently and intensely exposed to sunlight.
The histological analysis; i.e., the scrutiny of biopsies, reveals
that where there is an age spot, the epidermis is thicker and pen-
etrates deeper into the dermis, and traces of inflammation are
perceptible. This epidermal thickness would provoke a darker ap-
pearance even if the cells contained the same amount of melanin
per cell as the surrounding cells. It happens that within an age
spot, cells contain more melanin per cell3,4 and this accumulation There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
of melanin could be the consequence of the impairment of the
biochemical functions committed to the elimination of melanin.4 cross the epidermis and penetrate more deeply in the skin.
Another consequence of prolonged exposure to sunlight is UVA and visible light can be absorbed by endogenous photo-
elastosis. A permanent inflammatory status of the skin, elicited sensitizers. Photosensitizers are molecules able to transfer the
by continuous exposure to UV, makes it so that macrophages are absorbed energy to oxygen and transform it in the extremely re-
constantly recruited from the blood vessels to remove damaged active singlet oxygen with dire consequences for molecules that
cells from the cutaneous tissue. In doing so they have to cross can be oxidized, such as the lipids in the stratum corneum, the
the dermis and digest the elastic fibers that make it resilient. In lipids and proteins composing cell membranes, as well as the
the long run, the elastic fibers grow disorganized and elastin is DNA itself.
deposited, with the final consequence of elastosis and a total loss
of skin elasticity and resilience.5
Protect Yourself
Know Your UVA & UVB To avoid the damage, it is necessary to protect the skin against
From what precedes, we can conclude that solar radiation is clini- solar radiation, and sun filters and antioxidants are manufactured
cally damaging to the skin. The harmful component of solar ra- and formulated for this reason. Sunscreens against UVB are la-
diation is the ultraviolet portion and perhaps, part of the visible. beled with a protection index called Sun Protection Factor.
Ultraviolet from the sun is composed of UVB and UVA. It has
been said that UVB “burns” and that UVA “ages.” In reality, both The Sun Protection Factor is calculated as:
UVA and UVB provoke DNA damage that triggers an inflamma-
tory reaction. The effect of inflammation is to multiply and accu-
mulate damage and accelerate aging. In the course of repair, the UVB dose necessary to induce a minimal erythema with sunscreen
removal of damaged nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) is SPF =
followed by the restoration of the pristine sequence of the DNA. UVB dose necessary to induce a minimal erythema without sunscreen
Unfortunately, this does not always happen and there is a min-
ute yet finite chance that an error is made in the course of DNA In other words, the SPF is a number indicating how much
repair. This error is called a mutation. Accumulation of mutations LESS damage is made when wearing the sunscreen.
can lead to skin cancer. African-American skin, and Black skin in general, does
Per photon, UVA provokes less DNA damage and mutations not provide adequate protection: it is the equivalent of an SPF
than UVB, but in solar radiation there is 20 to 50 times more UVA of 7-8. Shirts and T-shirts offer SPF which can be as low as 10.
than UVB so that the damaging, mutagenic and carcinogenic Paradoxically, topical ointment can be better protectants than fab-
power of UVB and UVA in solar radiation is similar. rics! With an SPF 30, one gets 30 times less damage than without,
It has been said that UVB is more energetic than UVA; that and using an SPF 50, one gets 30 times less damage than without.
is true. It has also been said that UVA penetrates the skin more In order for sunscreens to offer the SPF or the UVA-
deeply than UVB; that is also true. This seems contradictory. In re- Protection factor written on the label, one must apply 2mg/cm2,
ality, energy has nothing to do with penetration: UVB is strongly which is about one to one and a half ounce per human body.
absorbed by the DNA and the RNA of the cells of the epidermis, The sunscreen does not last forever: sweating, swimming, rub-
and therefore it does not penetrate in the dermis. UVA and visible bing against each other remove the sunscreen. When outdoors it
light are poorly absorbed by DNA and RNA, if at all, and they can is a good practice to re-apply the sunscreen every two hours. The
By Happi Staff
A
S ANY SKIN CARE expert will tell pair of ingredients that are said to dam-
you, sunscreen is about three age sensitive ecosystems by contrib-
things: protection, protection uting to coral bleaching. (Hawaii and
and protection. Over the years, formula- Key West aren’t alone; the country of
tors have placed extra emphasis on mak- Palau has also issued a ban and popu-
ing lotions that are easier to apply and lar vacation locations in Mexico request
have greater water-resistance. But new visitors use biodegradable formulas.)
laws that have been recently passed in These changes are welcomed by envi-
Hawaii and Florida are shifting the focus ronmental advocates and companies
away from how the sunscreen feels and that already have sunscreens that are
performs on the skin to what happens formulated with natural mineral ingre-
when it comes off and enters the water. dients, namely titanium oxide or zinc
Both Hawaii and Key West, FL re- oxide, and therefore are already consid-
cently passed new laws that will end ered “reef safe.”
the retail availability of sunscreens that While these US mandates are new,
contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, a the “reef-safe” sunscreen market isn’t. In
W.S. Badger’s new SPF
fact, the category was created by a bevy of 30 Clear Zinc Lotion is
This SPF 30 sport sunscreen comes indie brands that contends they have al- reef safe, just like the rest
from Stream2Sea, a member of the
ways emphasized protecting skin, humans of its sun care products.
Safe Sunscreen Council.
and the ecosystem.
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Active Brands
One of them, W.S. Badger Co., was quick to applaud Hawaii’s
new law. This family-owned brand offers 16 sun care SKUs,
all of which are compliant with the legislation. The brand’s
newest options include clear zinc sunscreens. The new SKUs
include two unscented options—SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion for-
mulated with 15% zinc oxide, and SPF 15 Clear Zinc Lip Balm
(which has a 97% organic base)—and an SPF 40 Kids Clear
Zinc Cream, which comes in a tangerine and vanilla scent
reminiscent of a creamsicle. The latter, which contains 98%
organic base ingredients, was named a 2019 Natural Products
Expo West NEXTY Award winner in the Best New Natural
Kid’s Product Category.
Badger’s expansion of its sunscreen stable builds upon a de-
cade-plus long history of formulation as the firm launched its first
broad spectrum sunscreen in 2005. And, the Gilsum, NH-based
company is also a member of the Safe Sunscreen Council, a co-
alition of brands that works to raise awareness within the skin
care industry and consumers to support the development and
adoption of safer ingredients for people and planet. In addition to
Badger, current members of the Safe Sunscreen Council include:
19
ThinkSport products were use a premium, ultra-sheer zinc. Goddess Garden’s best-selling
the first to pass Whole Foods’ Everyday SPF 30 line is also still avail-
Premium Care requirements able, but it has been renamed “Daily” to
and have been Environmental help reinforce the critical practice of us-
Working Group rated“1”since ing protective products every single day.
launch, according to the com- The new product developments at
pany, which also sells deodor- Goddess Garden are always focused on
ant, lip balm and other types making great formulations that are safe
of healthier lifestyle consumer for the earth and end-users alike.
products—think water bottles “My daughter’s sensitive skin in-
and yoga mats built with spired my company, so we’ve always
healthier materials. been about making safer sunscreen
Boulder, CO-based brand for our families,” explained Nova
Goddess Garden touts reef- Covington, who is CEO of the Certified
safe mineral sunscreens, too, B Corporation.“After learning sunscreen
and has recently added new chemicals kill coral, we redoubled our
SPF 50 formulations in its efforts to spread the word about reef-
Sport, Daily, Kids and Baby safe mineral sunscreens.”
lines. The firm also added Will coral-killing creams and lotions
new lotions and sticks that remain hot topics for the sun care indus- ThinkSport Every Day
try? Probably; and that means yet an- Face product has been
Goddess Garden offers this reef-safe other controversial topic swirling about given a packaging facelift.
SPF 50 formulation for baby. this multibillion dollar industry. •
20
By Happi Staff
Be an Ultra Sport!
• Edgewell also upgraded the Banana A New Kind of Blue
Boat Sport line with new Ultra Sport, • Blue Lizard mineral and mineral-based sunscreens just
lotion and spray formats that offer high- went through a redesign which includes improved formula-
performance but lightweight and breath- tions to deliver safe, effective products that comply with new
able formulas. The SKUs range from SPF reef-safe sunscreen legislation.
15 to SPF 100. More info: www.bluelizard.net
More info: www.bananaboat.com
• The Florida Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists industry including a board-certified dermatologist with more
presents its 2019 Sunscreen Symposium “Integrating Beauty than 40 years of experience, poster exhibits & presentations, and
through Suncare, Anti-Aging and Skin Cancer Protection.” tabletop exhibits from companies offering the latest materials &
services in the cosmetic industry.
Thursday, September 12
7:30am: Registration Open for CEP attendees
8:00am - 1pm: CEP Course – New Sun Care Formulation
Concepts (Must be registered for the Symposium)
9:00am - 1pm: Golf Outing (requires a sign up fee)
5:00 - 8:00pm: Cocktail Reception. Posters and Exhibits
Open. Registration Open
Once again, Walt Disney World is the site for the Sunscreen Symposium
Friday, September 13
8:00am - 3:30pm: Technical Presentations, Posters and
Historically this event draws hundreds of cosmetic industry Exhibits Open
professionals who travel from around the world to learn more 7:00pm: Caribbean Carnival Themed Symposium Party
about the latest scientific developments on a global scale, hear
updates on current regulations, and learn more about various sci- Saturday, September 14
entific subjects. 9:00am - 3:30pm: Technical Presentations, Posters and
The event will be held at Disney’s Yacht Club in Lake Buena Exhibits Open
Vista Florida, September 12-14, 2019. This year’s Symposium
features 15 podium presentations from experts in the sun care Visit www.flscc.org for more information and to register.
Palm trees and UV protection are on tap. Be sure to register for the golf outing.
schülke inc. | Fairfield, NJ | USA | Schülke & Mayr GmbH | 22840 Norderstedt | Germany |
Tel. 1-973-770-7300 | Toll-free 1-888-267-4220 | saius@schuelke.com Tel. +49 40 521 00- 0 | www.schuelke.com | info@schuelke.com