Chief scientist of Personal Care Products Council pens hot rebuttal of EWG’s sunscreen claims

17 May 2022 --- Alexandra Kowcz, chief scientist of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) has issued a statement on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2022 advisory on sunscreens. She says the guidance is driving fear over a product that is vital to public skin health at a time when people are spending more time outdoors.

The EWG’s allegedly false US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims may indicate regulatory changes are necessary to dispel ambiguity and confusion regarding the “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) designation.

Kowcz also refutes the EWG claim that most sunscreens on the market offer inferior protection: “The FDA requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both Sun Protection Factor [SPF] and Broad Spectrum). Broad-spectrum sunscreens must protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.”

Despite dermatological myths, all skin shades should be using sun protection.“Consumers can be confident that these reliable and credible testing methods, which are well recognized by scientific experts and regulatory authorities worldwide, result in sunscreens that are safe and effective. EWG’s methods have not been subject to scrutiny or approval by any scientific or regulatory agency.”

Screening sunscreens
According to Kowcz, the EWG’s 2022 shopping guide does not contain any newer information than previous reports. In her response, Kowcz also indicates the EWG presents a misleading characterization of FDA conclusions.

“For example, this report claims that sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients are better for consumers and implies a conclusion that the FDA did not reach.”

She says the EWG guidance suggests sunscreen products made with certain active ingredients could be harmful.

“The FDA rejects this characterization and has publicly stated that Americans should continue to use sunscreens. Ensuring consumers have access to sunscreen products containing a wide variety of sunscreen active ingredients is an important contribution to the FDA’s public health mission.”

Continuing, she explains: “The FDA requested additional data for certain sunscreen ingredients currently used in products worldwide to further evaluate their status as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).”

Sunscreens made with these ingredients are therefore not considered harmful.

“Importantly, sunscreens made with these ingredients are not considered unsafe by the FDA and will remain on the market to be used as part of consumers’ sun-safe practices while additional data are collected.”

According to Kowcz, the FDA has specifically noted: “Sun safety is important for everyone, regardless of your skin tone. Americans can reduce risks from sun exposure with continued use of sun protection measures including broad spectrum sunscreen.”

Denigrating sun safetyThe EWG’s report comes at a time when sunscreen skepticism is seeping into various social circles.
Kowcz highlights: “As part of a daily safe-sun regimen, sunscreen products help prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk. It is unfortunate that as Americans spend more time outdoors, the EWG’s 2022 Guide to Sunscreens resorts to fear mongering with misleading information that could keep consumers from using sunscreens altogether.”

“Sunscreen use is a crucial and well-recognized step in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging. It is important to note that the FDA regulates all sunscreen products in today’s marketplace as over-the-counter drugs.”

She stresses: “Sunscreens on the market today are backed by decades of scientific research and safe use to help adults and children guard against the dangers of excessive sun exposure.”

The PCPC aligns with health professionals and organizations worldwide – including the U.S FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Surgeon General, American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation.

She highlights: “Some simple tips for sun safety include: avoiding the sun during the peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM); wearing sun-protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses; using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days; reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating; and seeing your health care professional every year for a skin exam."

Edited by Olivia Nelson

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