New FDA Recommendations & MDSS
| New FDA Rule
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What It Means
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MD SolarSciences
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| Broad Spectrum Protection – SPF | For the first time, the FDA will test for a sunscreen’s UVA as well as its UVB protection. Products must now protect against both types of radiation to be labeled “broad spectrum.” Before, SPF was only an indicator of UVB protection (burning rays).
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All formulations comply |
| Skin Cancer Protection | According to the new guidelines, only products with SPF 15 or higher, may make this claim
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All formulations comply (MDSS sunscreens start at SPF 30+ |
| SPF 2 – 14 – warning labels required | Products containing SPF levels of only 2 – 14 must feature a warning label that it has not been shown to reduce the risks of skin cancer or premature skin aging. | MDSS formulations provide a minimum of SPF 30+
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| SPF claims higher than 50 - no longer allowed | The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is marginal – screening out 97% vs 98% of the sun’s radiation. Anything higher has an increased chance of causing irritation – but doesn’t necessarily offer more protection.
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All formulations comply |
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Terms “waterproof,” “sweatproof” and “sunblock” no longer allowed on labels
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All formulations comply |
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The term “water resistant” is allowed, but must include when to re-apply (40 or 80 minutes)
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As a general rule, sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours. | All formulations comply |
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All sunscreens required to have Drug Facts section on packaging, which specify active ingredients and use claims
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All formulations comply |
