The Skin Cancer Foundation's Photobiology Committee has updated its criteria for the Seal of Recommendation. This seal is awarded to products that meet the foundation’s criteria for safe and effective sun protection against UVA and UVB. This update came during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and notably, The American Cancer Society predicts that new cases of melanoma will be at a 5.9% increase compared to previous years. As diagnoses seem to be on the rise, so does the science behind detection, screening and protection.
These advancements are what drove the Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee to update its criteria. Research showing that products with higher SPF and UPF offer better protection has been driving the infusion of more products offering higher levels of protection into the market. Raising this criteria allows for standards of protection to continue to rise, while bolstering products that offer better protection to give consumers a wider array of options.
Daily Use Seal of Recommendation for sunscreen:
Minimum SPF: 30
Water resistance substantiation required, if claimed
Minimum critical wavelength (UVA): 373 nm
Minimum HRIPT and Phototoxicity requirement: 20 human subjects passing each test
Active Seal of Recommendation for sunscreen:
Minimum SPF: 50
Water resistance substantiation required: 40 or 80 minutes.
Minimum critical wavelength (UVA): 373 nm
Minimum HRIPT and phototoxicity requirement: 20 human subjects passing each test
Critical wavelength is the point at which a sunscreen absorbs 90% of UV radiation, and is a key indicator of broad spectrum protection.
Fabric:
Minimum UPF: 50
Hats: minimum 3-inch brim all around
Hats for babies and toddlers: minimum 2 ½-inch brim
Window Film, Window Tint, Glass and Lenses:
Minimum: 99 percent blockage of UVA and UVB radiation
Brands can submit their products for this seal to distinguish themselves in a product-flooded market where sun care is becoming a higher priority. To be eligible to apply, brands need to have been around for 2 years or more.
“We always stress the importance of a complete sun protection strategy, so we have a lot of sunscreens in the program, but it’s really important that people think beyond sunscreens when protecting themselves, and covering up with clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade,” says Becky Kamowitz executive director at The Skin Cancer Foundation. “I think this is a great tool for consumers. It’s about when you’re shopping for sun protective products [you know] to look for the Seal of Recommendation because you know it offers that safe and effective sun protection. We know right now there’s a lot of misinformation out there around sunscreen, sun exposure and the harms of the sun. This program goes a long way in dispelling those myths.”
