Nearly 30 years ago, the labeling for UVA claims on sunscreens looked much the same as it does today. But all that stands to change.
What Has Happened So Far
In August of last year, the FDA updated its sunscreen monograph — the first new regulation of sunscreen testing protocols in decades to address new testing and labeling requirements for products that protect against UVA. Then, a period was set aside for comments on the monograph.
After receiving thousands and thousands of comments from scientists, advocacy groups, consumers, manufacturers/industry and others, the FDA closed its commenting period at the end of this past December. Presently, the FDA is reviewing all of the comments and new data and comparing them with the proposed rule. A timetable for the new sunscreen monograph’s release is unclear at this time.
Star-Studded System
One of the most notable changes about the new proposed sunscreen labeling will be the four-star rating system that will enable consumers to quickly assess a product’s ability to protect against UVA (See the rating system depicted here.)
To determine a product’s star rating, the product must undergo the new standardized testing proposed by FDA.
“This testing will put products on a level playing field,” explained Joe Stanfield, President of Suncare Research Laboratories, LLC, in Winston-Salem, NC, which specializes in SPF testing, in-vitro and in-vivo UVA studies, and dermatology research.
Mr. Stanfield describes this testing and other important highlights of FDA’s proposed sunscreen monograph, beginning on page 26.
Will it Benefit or Burden Patients?
“I don’t think the four-star system will help or hinder care in a big way,” said Skin & Aging Chief Medical Editor Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D. “We’ll still be able to encourage people to use sunscreen, and most people will still feel free to ignore our suggestions,” he added.
“For those who really want to be good, whether they choose an SPF 15 or higher or a 3- or 4-star ranking, it will be fine,” Dr. Feldman concluded.
Nearly 30 years ago, the labeling for UVA claims on sunscreens looked much the same as it does today. But all that stands to change.
What Has Happened So Far
In August of last year, the FDA updated its sunscreen monograph — the first new regulation of sunscreen testing protocols in decades to address new testing and labeling requirements for products that protect against UVA. Then, a period was set aside for comments on the monograph.
After receiving thousands and thousands of comments from scientists, advocacy groups, consumers, manufacturers/industry and others, the FDA closed its commenting period at the end of this past December. Presently, the FDA is reviewing all of the comments and new data and comparing them with the proposed rule. A timetable for the new sunscreen monograph’s release is unclear at this time.
Star-Studded System
One of the most notable changes about the new proposed sunscreen labeling will be the four-star rating system that will enable consumers to quickly assess a product’s ability to protect against UVA (See the rating system depicted here.)
To determine a product’s star rating, the product must undergo the new standardized testing proposed by FDA.
“This testing will put products on a level playing field,” explained Joe Stanfield, President of Suncare Research Laboratories, LLC, in Winston-Salem, NC, which specializes in SPF testing, in-vitro and in-vivo UVA studies, and dermatology research.
Mr. Stanfield describes this testing and other important highlights of FDA’s proposed sunscreen monograph, beginning on page 26.
Will it Benefit or Burden Patients?
“I don’t think the four-star system will help or hinder care in a big way,” said Skin & Aging Chief Medical Editor Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D. “We’ll still be able to encourage people to use sunscreen, and most people will still feel free to ignore our suggestions,” he added.
“For those who really want to be good, whether they choose an SPF 15 or higher or a 3- or 4-star ranking, it will be fine,” Dr. Feldman concluded.
Nearly 30 years ago, the labeling for UVA claims on sunscreens looked much the same as it does today. But all that stands to change.
What Has Happened So Far
In August of last year, the FDA updated its sunscreen monograph — the first new regulation of sunscreen testing protocols in decades to address new testing and labeling requirements for products that protect against UVA. Then, a period was set aside for comments on the monograph.
After receiving thousands and thousands of comments from scientists, advocacy groups, consumers, manufacturers/industry and others, the FDA closed its commenting period at the end of this past December. Presently, the FDA is reviewing all of the comments and new data and comparing them with the proposed rule. A timetable for the new sunscreen monograph’s release is unclear at this time.
Star-Studded System
One of the most notable changes about the new proposed sunscreen labeling will be the four-star rating system that will enable consumers to quickly assess a product’s ability to protect against UVA (See the rating system depicted here.)
To determine a product’s star rating, the product must undergo the new standardized testing proposed by FDA.
“This testing will put products on a level playing field,” explained Joe Stanfield, President of Suncare Research Laboratories, LLC, in Winston-Salem, NC, which specializes in SPF testing, in-vitro and in-vivo UVA studies, and dermatology research.
Mr. Stanfield describes this testing and other important highlights of FDA’s proposed sunscreen monograph, beginning on page 26.
Will it Benefit or Burden Patients?
“I don’t think the four-star system will help or hinder care in a big way,” said Skin & Aging Chief Medical Editor Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D. “We’ll still be able to encourage people to use sunscreen, and most people will still feel free to ignore our suggestions,” he added.
“For those who really want to be good, whether they choose an SPF 15 or higher or a 3- or 4-star ranking, it will be fine,” Dr. Feldman concluded.
