Written on: June 11, 2019 by SprayTM
On June 11, 2019, Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors (ICMAD) issued the following Industry Alert:
Dear ICMAD Members and Industry Friends:
You may have seen news reports to the effect that the UV absorbers in some sunscreens are capable of penetrating the skin and can then be found in the blood stream.
These reports are based on a pilot study sponsored by the FDA examining events around maximal use of these products. The FDA’s release of this pilot study has raised questions from consumers about the safety of sunscreens. To address public concern, the FDA released the clarifying statement below:
FDA Statement (https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-experts/shedding-new-light-sunscreen-absorption):
“The fact that an ingredient is absorbed through the skin
and into the body does not mean the ingredient is unsafe.
Rather, this finding calls for further testing to determine
the safety of that ingredient for repeated use. Such testing
is part of the standard pre-market safety evaluation of most
chronically administered drugs with appreciable systemic
absorption.”
Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology has taken a strong stance in reaffirming the safety and efficacy of these products:
American Academy of Dermatology Comments:
(https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/study-sunscreen-ingredients)
“As the study concludes, this is a small, pilot study and
more research is needed before it can be determined if
the absorption of sunscreen ingredients has any effects
on a person’s health. These sunscreen ingredients have
been used for several decades without any reported
internal side effects in humans. Importantly, the study
authors conclude that individuals should not refrain from
the use of sunscreen, which the AAD encourages as one
component of a comprehensive sun protection plan as
sunscreen use has been shown to reduce the risk of skin
cancer in a number of scientific studies.”
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United
States, and dermatologists see the impact it has on patients’
lives every day. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet
rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer. The AAD encourages
the public to continue to protect themselves from the sun by
seeking shade; wearing protective clothing, including a
lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat
and sunglasses; and generously applying a broad-spectrum,
water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to
exposed skin.”
ICMAD is closely following the developments in this issue and will be actively advocating for the application of principles of sound science, for the outstanding safety record of the industry, and our members.
