The US Skin Cancer Foundation has updated its Seal of Recommendation for sunscreens, bringing a more stringent industry standard.
The Foundation introduced the seal over 30 years ago and since that time not much has changed in their requirements. The seal, which has become a recognized symbol in most households, is used on over 800 products all over the world.
This year the sun care industry has come under strict scrutiny for ingredients and formulations that might not be as tough as they claim. In an effort to meet tougher minimum sun protection recommendations, the new seal will focus on tougher UVA protection and proof of photostability - which makes a formulation resistant to change under the influence of radiant energy and light.
Along with stricter minimum requirements, the new seal will be divided into two key categories – Daily Use, which is protection to every day incidental sun exposure, and Active, which will give minimum recommendations for individual’s exposure to the sun for longer periods of time.
Any product containing the Daily Use seal must have at least SPF 15 UVA and UVA protection to a critical wavelength of 370 or PPC 5, together with proof of formulation stability.
For the Active seal, manufacturers have to prove a minimum UVB protection SPF 30, and UVA protection to a critical wavelength of 370 or PPD 10, combined with proof of photostability and proof water resistance.
The organization began to accept applications for the new seal back in July and will require full compliance by all current seal holders by May 2012.
Tags: minimum sunscreen requirements, US Skin Cancer Foundation
