FDA Changes the Way You Look at Sunscreen Labels
By: Jennifer Penate
Updated: June 20, 2012
JOPLIN, MO--- The US Food and Drug Administration approved new rules for sunscreen labels this week. The changes will go into effect next year.
Companies cannot claim that sunscreens offer instant protection or that reapplication is not needed.
Manufacturers will not be allowed to label a product as waterproof or sweat resistant without proving it to the FDA.
Water resistant products have to indicate that reapplication is needed every 40 or 80 minutes.
Dermatologist Dr. Derek Towery says, "I think they're going to represent more of the truth of what's in the sunscreen. In order for that a sunscreen to be able to claim it's broad spectrum its going to truly block UVA and UVB light. It's going to be more reflective of the truth."
SPF values of 2 to 14 will need to have a label stating sun exposure could lead to skin cancer.
SPF 50 will be the highest level available because the FDA says the higher levels do not give added benefit.
