Hazy Outlook For U.S. Sunscreen Users

Abstract

AS summer approaches, bringing time in the sun, people in the U.S. are no closer to benefiting from advanced sunscreen active ingredients than they were a decade ago. European outdoors lovers, meanwhile, can bask in the sun knowing they have access to new and highly effective sunscreens. These products protect them from ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause sunburn and contribute to wrinkling and increasing rates of skin cancer. U.S. consumers don’t have access to eight advanced European sun-filtering molecules because the Food & Drug Administration is not convinced they are safe for users. Chemical and cosmetics industry executives counter that people are being denied potentially lifesaving protection. Despite legal efforts to break the stalemate, the wrangling could go on for many more years. Most sunscreen actives protect users against UV-B rays with wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm, the primary culprits in sunburn. Some also protect against UV-A rays in ...