US sunscreens are facing criticism from dermatologists and experts for their lack of effectiveness in protecting against ultraviolet radiation compared to products available overseas. While American sunscreens are good at blocking UVB rays that cause sunburn, they are often found to provide weaker protection against UVA rays, which are linked to skin cancer and premature aging. Regulatory differences play a significant role in this gap, as US sunscreens are classified as over-the-counter drugs and undergo a stringent approval process with the FDA, leading to limited availability of new UV-filtering ingredients.

Countries like France, South Korea, the UK, and Japan have approved a wider range of UV-filtering ingredients, allowing for more advanced sunscreens. One such ingredient, bemotrizinol, considered safe and effective globally, remains unapproved by the FDA. The FDA’s slow approval process for new sunscreen ingredients has drawn criticism from experts who advocate for broader spectrum sunscreens to be available in the US.

While the FDA defends the efficacy and safety of US sunscreen products, efforts are being made to modernize sunscreen regulations and allow non-animal testing alternatives for regulatory approval through bipartisan bills in Congress. Despite the ongoing debate, dermatologists emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, with recommendations for broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For those seeking the safest options, experts recommend looking for physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The discussion around sunscreen efficacy and regulations continues to highlight the need for improvements in the US market to align with global standards.