As a board-certified dermatologist, I understand sunscreens' critical role in preventing skin cancer and protecting against the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Despite their life-saving benefits, the U.S. has not approved new sunscreen filters since 1999 because of outdated regulations, leaving Americans without access to the newer, more effective sunscreen filters available in other countries.
Currently, there are only 17 UV filters approved in the US, while 29 are approved in the EU. This lack of innovation is concerning given the rise of skin cancer rates—skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting more than 6.1 million adults annually and melanoma claiming two lives every hour. With skin cancer rates on the rise, these regulatory constraints are creating a serious public health issue.
The sunscreen industry has made significant progress worldwide, with cutting-edge ingredients that provide comprehensive, broad-spectrum protection without compromising safety. However, current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations classify sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs requiring a stringent drug approval process, unlike other countries where they are treated as cosmetics. This classification slows down the introduction of novel ingredients that offer better UVA protection. Americans miss out on popular products with advanced UV filters used for years in countries like Japan, South Korea and France. We need access to these advances now, not years down the road.
The current situation leaves us with fewer options for protecting the skin and preventing skin cancer. An accelerated regulatory process that aligns with international standards would provide Americans with equal access to the effective and innovative sunscreens available worldwide. We need to make significant strides in the battle against skin cancer and bolster our efforts to safeguard public health.
Our skin is our largest organ. Protecting it should be a priority for everyone.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Patricia K. Farris, M.D., is co-founder of the Science of Skincare Summit and clinical associate professor at Tulane University School of Medicine.
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