Dr. Wang says he is telling patients to look for products that are labeled "broad spectrum" on the front, which is the best indicator that they are newly labeled and in compliance with FDA rules.
The FDA has been criticized for years for not finalizing the "monograph" – the accepted criteria or recipe – for sunscreen products. Although a final monograph is nowhere in sight, Dr. Wang said that he thought the agency had "done a reasonable job" in setting the cutoff point for products that could claim UVA protection against cancer at the accepted wavelength of 370 nm.
The FDA also plans to examine whether products labeled with an SPF greater than 50 provide any better protection than an SPF 50 sunscreen. The agency proposed in June 2011 that sunscreens with an SPF greater than 50 be labeled "SPF 50-plus," but nothing further has been issued. For now, consumers will continue to see sunscreens labeled as SPF 70, 80, or even 100.
There has been some difference of opinion on whether higher-SPF products are more beneficial. Dr. Wang said he recommends an SPF 30 product for daily use, but suggests higher SPFs for recreational activities that put users in the sun for longer periods.
The FDA also asked for more data on sunscreen-containing wipes, powders, body washes, and shampoos.
Finally, there may be some controversy down the road when the agency takes a closer look at the safety of ingredients in sun protection products. The Washington-based Environmental Working Group has criticized the safety of some of those ingredients – in particular oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate – and did so again last year in its annual review of sunscreens.
The American Academy of Dermatology refuted the group, saying that there is no evidence that these ingredients are dangerous. The AAD backs the use of a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation, with an SPF 30 or higher, in conjunction with limiting sun exposure and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Dr. Wang agrees that oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate appear to be safe, but he says that some manufacturers have been removing the vitamin A derivative because of the bad publicity. Oxybenzone also may be removed as newer UVA blockers are approved, he said. "But right now, we don’t have any other alternatives," he noted.
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Dr. Wang disclosed that he is a consultant for L’Oreal, and that he has collaborated with researchers at Procter & Gamble, but has not received any compensation from that company.
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