Statement by Beth Jonas, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council In Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2017 Guide to Sunscreens


Washington, D.C. – “The cosmetics and personal care products industry is proud of the innovative sunscreen products we provide that help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.   Sunscreen is a crucial step in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. While the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2017 Guide to Sunscreens helps raise awareness about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, the report also contains several inaccuracies that can confuse consumers and be potentially harmful to public health.

“Year after year, EWG’s shopping guide contains little new information in comparison to previous reports, and their 2017 edition is no different. More importantly, the false claims made by EWG could actually keep consumers from using sunscreen altogether. For example, EWG’s assertion that there’s no evidence sunscreens prevent most skin cancers is not just false—it is irresponsible.

“Sun protection and sunscreen use are critical to preventing skin cancer and premature skin aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation. Daily use of an SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.

“The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) sunscreen testing requirements are well recognized by experts and regulatory authorities across the globe. It is important to note that the FDA regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both SPF and Broad Spectrum). Consumers can rest assured that these reliable and credible testing methods result in sunscreens that are safe and effective in protecting them from harmful UV rays. Broad spectrum sunscreens must protect against both UVB and UVA radiation.       

“Oxybenzone, unjustly criticized every year by EWG, is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that provides safe and effective broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation, and has been approved for use since 1978. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), available peer-reviewed scientific literature, and regulatory assessments from national and international bodies around the world, there is no link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and hormonal alterations or any other significant health issues in humans.

In addition, another ingredient called out is retinyl palmitate which is a form of vitamin A that is sometimes used in sunscreen and cosmetic products as an antioxidant and to enhance skin suppleness.  It is permitted by the FDA for use in sunscreens and several other OTC products.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals worldwide all emphasize the importance of sunscreen use as part of a safe sun regimen. The dangers of sun exposure are clear and universally recognized by public health professionals and dermatologists. The National Institutes of Health Report on Carcinogens identifies solar UV radiation as a ‘known human carcinogen.’ A single bad burn as a child is known to increase the skin’s susceptibility to damage and skin cancer throughout life.

“Some simple tips for sun safety include:

  •    Avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10am-4pm
  •    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
  •    Seeing your health care professional every year for a skin exam

“Our goal is and continues to be to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe sun program. Sunscreen is a crucial step in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. It is our hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as using your seatbelt.”

Statement by Beth Jonas, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council In Response to Consumer Reports’ 2017 Sunscreens Report


Washington, DC – “As summer approaches and consumers become more likely to consistently include sunscreens as part of a safe sun regimen, they can be confident that sunscreen products, when used in combination with other practices such as wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun during peak hours, are safe and will help protect them from skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other damaging effects from the sun.

Consumer Reports recently released a new review, where they score sunscreen products based on their own internal testing criteria.  It appears that their testing methods are not consistent with those used by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).  Therefore, their testing methods are not the same as those required of product manufacturers to assign the SPF designation.  We recognize their shared goal to educate consumers on the importance of suns safety as well as easy steps to properly apply sunscreens.  We do, however, caution consumers that the results of the Consumer Reports testing cannot be directly compared to a label claim.

“The FDA regulates all sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both SPF and Broad Spectrum).  FDA’s sunscreen testing requirements are publicly available and well recognized by experts and regulatory authorities in the U.S. as well as globally.

“All sunscreens in the United States must be tested for SPF performance using the same FDA designated clinical tests. No matter what the active ingredients, all FDA-approved sunscreens work by scattering, reflecting or absorbing UV rays.  There is no difference in efficacy between sunscreens with organic or inorganic actives; they all must be formulated to achieve their SPF label claim.

“We encourage consumers to consider the following tips for sun safety:

  • Avoid the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 am- 4 p.m.
  • Wear sun protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on a cloudy day
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating
  • Visit your healthcare professional every year for a skin exam

“Our goal is to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe sun program.  Daily use of sunscreen is a crucial step in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging. It is our hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as putting on your seatbelt.”  

For more information on cosmetic and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.  

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO Personal Care Products Council on the introduction of the Personal Care Products Safety Act


Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (the Council) and its member companies reiterate our steadfast commitment to work with all stakeholders to modernize federal regulatory oversight for cosmetics and personal care products.  We greatly appreciate Senator Feinstein and Senator Collins’ leadership in introducing legislation to update the regulatory system for the cosmetics and personal care sector. The introduction of the Personal Care Products Safety Act is a move in the right direction, and we applaud the Senators’ efforts in bringing multiple and diverse stakeholders together to address reform.

“For nearly a decade, the Council has worked with a bipartisan group of leaders in Congress and a diverse group of interested parties.  We believe strongly that any legislation should have broad bipartisan support.

“Decades of consumer experience with our products demonstrate that they are one of the safest product categories regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Given the industry’s scientific rigor and commitment to consumer safety, we support modernizing cosmetics regulation to ensure FDA has the appropriate resources and administrative authority to oversee our products.  Over the last decade, our commitment to reform has not waivered. We firmly believe that well-crafted, science-based reforms will enhance our industry’s ability to innovate and further strengthen consumer confidence in the products they use and trust every day.

“As part of our ongoing commitment toward modernization, the Council and its member companies support a set of principles to guide bipartisan legislative action.  While some changes to the original bill have been made, others are needed to ensure the success for regulatory reform.    

“We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Feinstein and Senator Collins, members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and other relevant stakeholders to create a more modernized regulatory system for the personal care products sector – a system that advances innovation, safety and consumer confidence.”  

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO Personal Care Products Council On the Confirmation of Scott Gottlieb, M.D., as FDA Commissioner


Washington, D.C.—“The Personal Care Products Council congratulates Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on his confirmation as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Dr. Gottlieb is well qualified for the position and brings a strong reputation for protecting public health.

“Consumer and product safety are top priorities for the cosmetics and personal care products industry, with careful and thorough scientific research and development serving as the foundation for everything we do.  Our products are among the safest product categories regulated by the FDA.

“Personal care products companies invest nearly $3 billion each year in scientific research and development.  As a result of this research, approximately 2,000 new products are introduced each year, providing consumers with a wide range of safe, quality and innovative choices.  Numerous scientific, peer-reviewed papers are published on enhancing and developing new safety methods. Companies take their responsibility for consumer and product safety very seriously.

“We share Dr. Gottlieb’s commitment to public health and safety, while also supporting innovation that enables companies to continue to provide safe and effective products that use the latest research and technological advances.

“We congratulate Dr. Gottlieb on his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that well-crafted, science-based regulations enhance our industry’s ability to innovate and further strengthen consumer confidence in the products they trust and enjoy every day.”

Statement by Beth Jonas, PhD, Chief Scientist Personal Care Products Council The Personal Care Products Industry Applauds Washington State Lawmakers for Advancing Public Health


Washington, D.C., – “Today, we applaud Washington State Governor Jay Inslee for signing Substitute Senate Bill No. 5404 into law, allowing and encouraging students, parents, and school personnel to apply topical sunscreen products while on school property, if the product is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter use.

“We thank Senator Ann Rivers and Representative Paul Harris for guiding the bill through the legislative process, and helping to remove barriers that have prevented children in Washington schools from using over-the-counter sunscreens.

“It is well known that skin exposed to UV radiation can be damaged, leading to premature skin aging and skin cancer. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals worldwide emphasize that daily use of sunscreens is a critical part of a safe sun regimen.  

“It’s essential to build healthy habits early on in a child’s life, such as teaching them about the importance of sunscreen and additional effective methods to reduce sun impact, like wearing protective hats and UV-blocking sunglasses, minimizing time in direct sunlight or playing in the shade, and covering exposed skin with clothing.  Starting healthy habits early leads to lifelong benefits.

“Consumer and product safety are top priorities for the cosmetics and personal care products industry, with careful and thorough scientific research and development serving as the foundation for everything we do.”