Can the labels on sunscreen products be trusted in the U.S.?
In the past, no. In an effort to make sunscreen labels more reliable and useful, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 issued new labeling regulations for over-the-counter sunscreens. According to the new FDA guidelines, sunscreen labels will be prohibited from making claims that are considered unproven or absolute such as “waterproof” and “all-day protection.” The FDA will also no longer permit a product to be called “sunblock.” (Sunscreens don’t block out all of the sun’s rays.) Manufacturers must also list the active sunscreen ingredients in their products on the label.
