Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation

MDSolarSciences sunscreens are marked with the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation—demonstrating they’ve been authorized, tested and approved according to SCF guidelines for sun safety and the prevention of skin cancer.

In pursuit of the prevention of skin cancer and support for public health initiatives, the Seal of Recommendation is granted to products that follow specific guidelines set forth by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The seal serves as an indicator to help customers choose the best sunscreen or (sun-protective product) based on the safety and efficacy of its formula.

As a member of the SCF’s Corporate Council, MDSolarSciences pledges to facilitate public education and awareness for sun safety best practices and preventative measures. Here we provide a detailed explanation of the SCF criteria for safety and effectiveness used to evaluate sunscreens.

The SCF has recently modified its guidelines for awarding the Seal of Recommendation to sunscreens. Effective May 2012, The SCF will have completed its revisions these touchstones. In the meantime, approved sunscreens may be labeled with the old seal or one of the two new seals.

The new seals are divided into two categories:

Active

Active sunscreen is to be worn during longer periods of sun exposure. Athletes, for instance, require active sunscreens, as well as those who intend on going to the beach and so forth.

Our Mineral Screen Lotion, Mineral Screen Gel and Mineral Screen Tinted Gel display the SCF Seal of Recommendation for Active Sunscreens.

Daily Use

Daily Use sunscreen is to be worn every day, for short periods of exposure to UV radiation. For example, a daily use sunscreen is the kind you’d likely wear during a brief walk or sort-term driving; perhaps from your house to your work, or to the store and back.

MDSolarSciences sunscreens holding the SCF Daily Use Seal of Recommendation include the Ultra Mineral Screen Gel.

In order for a sunscreen to obtain the SCF Seal of Recommendation, they must pass a series of tests conducted by the SCF’s Photobiology Committee, a trusted team of dedicated, volunteer specialists. Through scientific testing, these experts examine the following to determine the validity and effectiveness:

Criteria For Daily Use and Active Sunscreens:

  • Water and/or sweat resistance
  • Skin safety measures; including testing for phototoxic reactions from chemical ingredients
  • Proof of UVA protection
  • Proof of UVB protection (SPF for Daily Use must be at least 15, for Active sunscreens, the SPF must be at least 30)
  • Photostability
Phototoxic reactions are adverse skin reactions to chemical additives. The irritations worsen with UV exposure. Some common reactions include:
  • Rashes
  • Intense sunburn
  • Itching/ tingling
  • Inflammation and blistering of the skin
  • Nail loss
Photostability of a sunscreen is a measurement of its ability maintain balance and efficacy when exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Safe, effective sunscreens have high photostability.

*For more information on the SFC criterion for testing the safety of sunscreens, visit The Skin Cancer Foundation.