Statement by the Personal Care Products Council on Federal Legislation, Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. The CROWN Act seeks to prevent discrimination based on characteristics such as hair texture and cultural styles, particularly those common in the Black community. It specifically recognizes that Black individuals are disparately impacted and excluded from some workplaces based on hair discrimination. As such, the CROWN Act amends definitions of ‘race’ to include those traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like ‘braids, locks and twists.’ 

“With a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, PCPC has long supported the CROWN Coalition’s mission to advance anti-discrimination legislation across the United States and actively supported passage of similar legislation in seven states. While industry has made progress, we know there is more work to do to address diversity.

“Legislation such as the CROWN Act creates a clear link between natural hair and race, and broadens the scope of protections to prevent more subtle forms of bias that may be found in the workplace. Grooming and dress are an important part of society and should be fully embraced and respected.”  

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

 

Statement by Linda Loretz, PhD, Chief Toxicologist, Personal Care Products Council, in Response to the Wall Street Journal’s Column on Sunscreens


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The Wall Street Journal article, ‘Sunscreen Chemicals Accumulate in Body at High Levels,’ published July 17, 2020, is misleading and unnecessarily alarming about the safety of sunscreen products on the market today. The level of chemicals in the blood referred to in the article was the threshold set by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for requiring additional testing to determine if sunscreens currently on the market meet FDA’s standards to be considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). It did not represent a level considered to be unsafe.

“In fact, FDA’s statement on the study referenced in the article, published in January of this year, clearly states that absorption does not equal risk; FDA did not conclude that the study results indicated sunscreen ingredients are unsafe. FDA goes on to say that without further testing, it does not know what levels of absorption can be considered safe. Most importantly, FDA advises people to continue to use sunscreens in conjunction with other sun safety precautions while the Agency collects additional data.

“The comparison of the levels of sunscreen observed in the blood in FDA’s study to levels of THC (the active compound in marijuana) and alcohol after drinking two beers is another misguided attempt to needlessly scare consumers. A comparison of a controlled substance and an alcoholic beverage to sunscreen is entirely inappropriate, and the numbers are wildly inaccurate.

“The Personal Care Products Council and our member companies will continue to work cooperatively with FDA to determine what additional studies may be needed to ensure the ongoing safety of sunscreen active ingredients in the marketplace. We share FDA’s mission to protect public health and are committed to providing safe and effective products for consumers. We are proud that our industry offers innovative sunscreen products that help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.”

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Statement from the Personal Care Products Council on Implementation of USMCA, a Significant Milestone for Free Trade


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, (202) 466-0489, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 454-0316, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) applauds the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which successfully renegotiates the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and brings North American trade into the 21st century. We congratulate Ambassador Lighthizer and his Mexican and Canadian counterparts for this significant undertaking.

“The Agreement provides our industry with further opportunities to grow regionally and contribute to our competitiveness around the world. Of particular note is the high standard Cosmetics Annex, the first of its kind, which commits all three countries to good regulatory practices and eliminating trade barriers affecting the cosmetics and personal care products sector.

“The U.S.-Canada Appendix to the Annex uniquely recognizes the importance of regulatory alignment for products at the cosmetic-drug interface, and will bring immediate and significant commercial benefit to our member companies.

“It is our hope that the USMCA Cosmetics Annex will serve as a model for all U.S. free trade agreements in the future. We look forward to continuing to work with all three governments to ensure the USMCA Cosmetic Annex and Appendix– and the entire Agreement – is fully implemented and enforced in a way that allows the cosmetics and personal care sector to realize all USMCA’s intended benefits.”

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Statement by Alexandra Kowcz, Chief Scientist, Personal Care Products Council in Response to the Environmental Working Group’s 2020 Sunscreens Report


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The cosmetics and personal care products industry is proud of the innovative sunscreen products we provide to help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.  Sunscreen is a crucial and well-recognized step in the fight against skin cancer.  It is unfortunate that at precisely the time that COVID-19 stay at home orders are being lifted and Americans may be heading to beaches and pools, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2020 Guide to Sunscreens attempts to needlessly scare consumers with false claims and misinformation that can be potentially harmful to public health.

“Year after year, EWG’s shopping guide contains little new information in comparison to their previous reports, and their 2020 edition is no different. More importantly, the claims made by EWG could actually keep consumers from using sunscreen altogether. For example, EWG’s recommendation about which sunscreens consumers should use (i.e. those containing only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients) implies a conclusion that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) itself did not reach. EWG suggests that sunscreen products containing other active ingredients are unsafe or ineffective. FDA has rejected this characterization and has publicly stated that Americans should continue to use sunscreens and also stated that the results from the Agency’s study does not mean that the ingredient is unsafe, nor does the FDA seeking further information indicate such. Instead, FDA has requested additional information and our industry is working closely with the Agency to supply the information.

“EWG also claims that three fourths of sunscreen products in the marketplace today offer inferior UV protection (according to EWG’s testing methods). It is important to note that all sunscreen products in today’s marketplace are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.  FDA requires rigorous testing for sunscreen effectiveness (both Sun Protection Factor [SPF] and Broad Spectrum). Consumers can be confident that these reliable and credible testing methods that are well recognized by experts and regulatory authorities across the globe 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. The methods used by EWG have not been subject to scrutiny or approval by any scientific or regulatory agency.

Oxybenzone and Retinyl Palmitate

“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 and safely used since 1978. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), available peer-reviewed scientific literature, and current regulatory assessments from national and international bodies around the world, there is no causal link between oxybenzone use in sunscreen and significant hormonal alterations or 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 also is an ingredient approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens and several other OTC products.

Sunscreens and Sun Safety

“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 sunscreens 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 Toxicology Program 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. It is our hope that using sunscreen becomes as much of a habit as using your seat belt.”

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council on Significant Collaboration with NGO Partners Supporting AB 2762


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies support AB 2762 and thank Assembly Members Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) and Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) for their leadership in bringing this legislation to fruition while working with a diverse group of important stakeholders.

“PCPC and our member companies engaged with the authors and other interested parties on a bill that adds to California law ingredients that are prohibited in cosmetics and personal care products in Europe and other regions, moving one step closer to global regulatory alignment.

“Cosmetics and personal care products companies hold sacred the trust families put in the safety of their products and take their responsibility for safety very seriously. Companies invest substantial resources in scientific research and safety processes to develop products that enhance the health and well-being of families worldwide.

“We are proud to have joined a broad coalition, including the Black Women for Wellness, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, CalPIRG and the Environmental Working Group, in supporting well-crafted, science-based reforms like AB 2762. Such legislation modernizes California’s cosmetics regulation and also strengthens consumer confidence in the products they trust and enjoy every day.

“PCPC is the leading national trade association representing more than 600 small, medium and large-sized companies, including 100 that either call California home or have a presence in the state.  The beauty and personal care industry is an important part of California’s economy, employing approximately 415,000 people throughout the state while contributing $28 billion to the state’s economy.”

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Message from President & CEO Lezlee Westine about COVID-19, April 2, 2020


As the COVID-19 emergency continues to affect us all, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies are working together, around the clock, to help mitigate the virus and ensure people have access to the safe, essential products they rely on. We know individuals and families trust and use our products every day – our brands provide a sense of comfort and normalcy in these challenging times.

PCPC serves as the industry’s voice with federal, state and local officials. We also are engaging with other organizations – such as the American Chemistry Council, American Cleaning Institute, Consumer Brands Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Distilled Spirits Council, Fragrance Creators Association, and others – to ensure critical infrastructure remains uninterrupted, and supply chains remain active and safe.

As the cosmetics industry worked to address the nationwide hand sanitizer shortage, we successfully advocated for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow non-traditional manufacturers to produce hand sanitizers. Cosmetics and personal care products companies are refitting their factories to increase production and supply of products to help combat COVID-19. Over the next several weeks and months, our member companies will produce, among other items, more than 20 million units of hand sanitizer to be donated to hospitals; community clinics; medical and emergency professionals; first responders; industry employees; and made available to retail customers.

PCPC also advocated for key states to include the personal care and hygiene industry as essential businesses. California Governor Gavin Newsom updated the state’s guidance to identify personal care and hygiene product manufacturers as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Empire State Development updated the essential business guidance to include products regulated by FDA. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Critical Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) updated their COVID-19 critical infrastructure guidance to include “hygiene products.”

We are working with our members, through educational webinars and other communications vehicles, to share best practices and learn from those who experienced COVID-19 in other parts of the world. PCPC staff continually monitor and communicate changes in regulations, government policies and other information critical for our members to maintain business continuity.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was recently signed into law, providing significant economic relief opportunities for individuals and businesses, including new loan programs for small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will administer approximately $350 billion in loans, which can be forgiven if used for qualifying purposes, through the existing small business 7(a) loan program. If your company is interested in applying for these loans, or for any relief, you should contact your bank or learn more by visiting the Treasury Department’s website here.

To ensure consumers are kept up to date about the impact of COVID-19 with credible, factual information and recent actions we are taking, both the PCPC website and CosmeticsInfo.org, our science and safety website, now feature extensive COVID-19 sections, including a comprehensive an FAQ.

The following resources provide information on the best way to protect health and well-being and alleviate some of the financial concerns resulting from this emergency.

Health & Wellness Information

 Business & Finance Information

We will provide regular updates on this page and in the Members Only portion of the website as the situation changes.

We hope you, your families and your communities stay healthy and safe during these very difficult times.

Read more from Lezlee Westine

March 20, 2020

Statement from the Personal Care Products Council on Sunscreen Regulations in COVID-19 Legislation


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “Today, President Trump signed into law the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (“CARES Act”), which provides emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families and businesses affected by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the legislation is over-the-counter (OTC) drug reform, which impacts how sunscreens are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“In the U.S., FDA regulates OTCs under a monograph system, which establishes various requirements for approval, including the safety and effectiveness of active ingredients in sunscreens.  The legislation retains the regulations in the final monograph issued in 1999, which, among other things, confirms that active ingredients currently used in sunscreens on the market today are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).

“Because of their well-established role in protecting public health, the significant benefits sunscreens provide should be appropriately weighed against any potential risks. We support FDA’s commitment to ensuring that sunscreens are safe and effective for their intended use. We are confident that currently marketed sunscreens are safe and effective based on the long history of safe use of these products in the United States and around the world, the breadth of existing safety data, and the established benefits sunscreens provide.

“The dangers of sun exposure are clear and universally recognized by dermatologists and other public health professionals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals worldwide emphasize the important role of sunscreen use as part of a safe sun regimen.

“Skin cancer is a significant, and largely preventable, public health concern. Our industry’s goal continues to be to help consumers make informed decisions and use sunscreen as an important part of an overall safe sun program. We are proud that our industry offers innovative sunscreen products that help protect consumers from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

“Ultimately, having an array of safe and effective sunscreen active ingredients allows sunscreen manufacturers to formulate products that meet the differing needs of individuals and their families.  Ensuring that consumers have access to these products containing a broad variety of sunscreen active ingredients is critical and an important contribution to FDA’s public health mission.”

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Message from President & CEO Lezlee Westine about COVID-19, March 20, 2020


We live in uncertain times, but one thing that is certain is the Personal Care Products Council’s commitment and service to its member companies and the families that trust and use their products every day. Our member companies are working to do their part to help mitigate this global crisis. As an industry dedicated to safety, we understand the importance of credible, factual information, especially during these challenging times, and are taking this opportunity to update you on recent actions we have taken.

Keeping People Safe

Our industry takes the safety, health and well-being of our employees, the families who use our products every day, and the communities worldwide where our companies operate. We are proud to produce some of the essential products used to fight novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

In an effort to comply with health authorities’ recommendations for social distancing and in an abundance of caution, PCPC closed our offices, and staff is working remotely to maintain business continuity and operational functions. We also postponed all in-person meetings and events until the current situation changes.

Each of our member companies is keeping the safety and health of their employees as their main priority. Many have instituted teleworking procedures, travel restrictions, canceling in-person meetings and other actions recommended by federal, state and local health authorities to implement prevention best practices.

Working with Government Agencies

While member companies are focused on their employees’ safety and their ability to bring to market the essential products that help fight the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, PCPC is working on the industry’s behalf with U.S. and foreign governments to ensure supply chain remains safe and active, and manufacturing operations are not negatively impacted by COVID-19 mitigation requirements and restrictions. For example, we recently worked with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide temporary guidance giving manufacturers flexibility to meet the demand for alcohol-based hand sanitizer products to increase the supply available to Americans.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Companies Doing Their Part

In addition to ensuring product safety and business continuity, cosmetics and personal care products companies continue their commitment to giving back to their communities.

Some member companies are switching production in some of their factories to increase the production of hand sanitizer and other essential products to ease shortages of these critical products. Millions of units of essential products are being provided to hospitals, partner pharmacies, food distribution organizations and others. Those who provide product to beauty industry businesses are relaxing or freezing payments so those businesses can maintain their operations. Many companies are also making generous donations and investments to help support the recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Helpful Resources

In light of growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, we hope these resources will help you navigate the best way to protect the health and well-being of you, your family and your community:

We will provide regular updates on this page as the situation changes.

We hope you, your families and your communities stay healthy and safe during these trying times.

Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO On the Introduction of Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce Act of 2020 (SHOP SAFE Act of 2020)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies appreciate Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-GA), and Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Martha Roby (R-AL) for introducing H.R. 6058, the Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce Act of 2020 (SHOP SAFE Act 2020), and we strongly support its passage.

“Ecommerce platforms create opportunities for legitimate companies to grow and reach new consumers and provide them with more choices and greater convenience. However, the current structure is vulnerable to exploitation and contributes significantly to a rise in illicit trade. Counterfeit personal care products damage businesses, disregard regulatory protection and more importantly threaten consumers’ health and safety.

“Consumers should have the same assurance that the products they purchase online are as safe and effective as the products they purchase in a brick and mortar store. Our member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and U.S. laws hold our members accountable to do so. Passing the SHOP SAFE Act of 2020 would even the playing field.

“We encourage Congress to establish a system that makes online marketplaces and others responsible for ensuring that products on their platforms comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Legislation should also increase the requirements necessary for third-party sellers via ecommerce by establishing a minimum threshold for submission and validation of identification, banking and product authentication documentation. This will provide consumers greater assurance that the products they purchase are authentic and safe.

“We look forward to working with Members of Congress and other stakeholders to raise awareness and develop solutions to combat counterfeit products online and establish strong consumer protections.”

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

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association in Response to Part Two of FDA’s Sunscreen Ingredient Maximal Usage Trial


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Jewel Jones (202) 454-0302, jonesj@personalcarecouncil.org
Lauren Bloomberg, (202) 429-3534, lbloomberg@chpa.org

Washington, D.C. — “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) sponsored study entitled ‘Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients’ published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is a follow-up to an earlier study published in May 2019. Using a larger sample size, additional sunscreen active ingredients and formulations, the more recent study reached similar conclusions to those observed previously.

“All six sunscreen active ingredients were absorbed and found in plasma following application in either lotion or spray form.  However, the presence of these ingredients in plasma does not suggest a safety issue and there were no serious drug-related adverse events reported in the trial, consistent with the excellent safety record associated with sunscreen active ingredients over decades of real-world use. We will continue to work cooperatively with FDA to determine what additional studies are needed to ensure the ongoing safety of sunscreen active ingredients in the marketplace.

“The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and their member companies are aligned with 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 professionals worldwide about the important health benefits sunscreens provide as part of a safe sun regimen to help prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk.

“FDA makes clear that the results of this study should not cause anyone to stop using sunscreen.  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 a seat belt.

“We look forward to our continued work with FDA to ensure that consumers have access to products containing a broad variety of sunscreen active ingredients.”

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 About the Personal Care Products Council

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation. For more information on cosmetics and their ingredients, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

 About the Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Founded in 1881, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices. Every dollar spent by consumers on OTC medicines saves the U.S. healthcare system more than $7, contributing a total of $146 billion in savings each year. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by preserving and expanding choice and availability of consumer healthcare products. www.chpa.org