FDA Announces New Requirements for Labeling of OTC Sunscreen Products in the USA

• By: Staff Editor
• Date: June 17, 2011

More than three decades after sunscreen labeling requirements were first introduced, the FDA announced these updates that will boost its efforts to ensure that sunscreens “meet modern-day standards for safety and effectiveness”. The previous labeling used in OTC sunscreens dealt almost exclusively with protection against sunburns caused primarily by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. The labels did not address the more dangerous ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation which contributes to skin cancer and early skin ageing.