An Obsolete Law Keeps Americans from Better Sunscreen

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market this week. Although this might seem unremarkable, it is the first approval of its kind since 1999. An outdated law from 1938 is the reason for this delay.

An image of a baseball player applying sunscreen in Anaheim, California, by Ashley Landis of the Associated Press, symbolized the ongoing issue. This image underscores the necessity for more advanced and effective sunscreen options in the U.S.

The 1938 law, which is over eight decades old, has long prevented the introduction of newer sunscreen formulations. As a result, U.S. consumers have had limited access to the more advanced products available in other countries. This law requires extensive testing and approval processes, which can be unnecessarily lengthy and cumbersome.

In recent years, there has been increased demand for more effective sun protection. Many believe that modernizing these regulations is vital for ensuring that American consumers have access to the best available health products. The recent FDA approval may signal a shift towards more progressive regulatory practices. However, further essential updates to regulatory policies remain needed to accelerate access to innovative products.