Why U.S. Sunscreens Fall Behind and What You Should Know

When it comes to sun protection, U.S. sunscreens are not as effective as many available overseas. Countries like Japan and those in the European Union have access to more advanced sunscreen ingredients that offer better protection, particularly from UVA rays, which are responsible for most skin aging and some skin cancers.

FDA Regulations: Why the U.S. Falls Behind

One of the biggest reasons for the U.S. lag in sunscreen innovation is how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies sunscreens. In the U.S., sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which means the approval process for new ingredients is more stringent and time-consuming. This contrasts with countries in Europe and Asia, where sunscreens are treated as cosmetics rather than drugs, resulting in a much faster approval process for new and improved ingredients.

The FDA has not approved any new active sunscreen ingredients in over two decades. Even though U.S. sunscreen makers have submitted safety data for ingredients widely used in Europe, the FDA has been slow to act due to concerns over safety testing, which often involves animal studies. This slow pace leaves American consumers with fewer, less effective options compared to those available globally​.

Why Sunscreen Classifications Matter

In countries like the European Union, Japan, and Australia, sunscreen ingredients are considered cosmetics. This classification allows these regions to adopt new ingredients much faster, particularly ones that provide superior protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and contribute significantly to skin aging and cancer risks. For example, European sunscreens often contain filters like Tinosorb S and Mexoryl SX, which provide better UVA protection than many U.S. products​.

In the U.S., however, due to the stricter OTC drug classification, introducing new ingredients requires extensive testing and approval from the FDA. The regulatory process is further delayed by concerns about ingredient safety, which has made manufacturers hesitant to submit new sunscreen formulas for approval​. As a result, U.S. consumers often have to rely on older ingredients that may not offer the broad-spectrum protection seen in other parts of the world.

Safer Alternatives and the Push for Better Standards

Mineral-based sunscreens, particularly those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, remain the safest and most effective options in the U.S. These ingredients provide excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays without the concerns linked to chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are being scrutinized for potential health risks.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been advocating for safer sunscreens and recently introduced the EWG Verified® mark, which helps consumers easily identify sunscreens free of harmful ingredients. These sunscreens are also formulated without potentially toxic chemicals, offering consumers peace of mind when choosing products to protect their skin​.

What You Can Do Now

While we wait for new ingredients to be approved in the U.S., there are a few steps you can take to ensure your sunscreen offers the best possible protection:

• Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.
• Avoid sunscreens with SPF values over 50. Higher SPF ratings can create a false sense of security and often don’t provide balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use lotions and sticks instead of sprays, which are harder to apply evenly and can be inhaled.
• Practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Consider foreign-made sunscreens. If you're seeking better UVA protection, some consumers choose sunscreens made in Europe or Asia, which contain advanced ingredients like Tinosorb S and Mexoryl SX. You can often find these products through reputable online retailers that ship internationally, such as Amazon, or by visiting specialized beauty shops that carry imported skincare products. For a detailed list of highly rated foreign-made sunscreens, check out our article here.

The good news is that both consumers and lawmakers are pushing for updated regulations that would allow newer, more effective sunscreen ingredients to hit the U.S. market in the coming years.