History of Sunscreen in Timeline

Sunscreen is a photoprotective topical product applied to the skin to shield it from sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Available in various forms like lotions, sprays, and gels, it complements protective clothing such as sunglasses and sunhats. Recognized as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization, sunscreen plays a crucial role in overall skin health and photoprotection.

1978: FDA Adopts SPF Calculation

In 1978, the FDA first adopted the SPF calculation for sunscreen labeling standards in the United States.

2002: Research Indicates Sunscreens Escalate Virus Abundance in Seawater

In 2002, research indicated that sunscreens might escalate virus abundance in seawater, compromising the marine environment in a manner akin to other pollutants.

2008: Investigation Reveals Bleaching Effects on Hard Corals From Sunscreens

A 2008 investigation examining a variety of sunscreen brands, protective factors, and concentrations revealed unanimous bleaching effects on hard corals, which magnified with increasing sunscreen quantities.

2009: Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Created

In 2009, the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 was created in Europe, regulating sunscreens as cosmetic products.

June 2011: FDA Issues Comprehensive Sunscreen Rules

In June 2011, the FDA issued a comprehensive set of rules designed to help consumers identify and select suitable sunscreen products offering protection from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer. These rules took effect in 2012–2013.

2012: Sunscreen Regulation as Cosmetic Product Begins in Mercosur

In 2012, regulation of sunscreen as a cosmetic product began in Mercosur, similar in structure to the European regulations.

2012: FDA Sunscreen Rules Take Effect

In 2012, the FDA comprehensive set of rules started taking effect in the US, designed to help consumers identify and select suitable sunscreen products offering protection from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.

July 2013: Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

In July 2013, the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 was created in Europe, regulating sunscreens as cosmetic products.

2013: FDA Sunscreen Rules fully Take Effect

In 2013, the FDA comprehensive set of rules fully took effect in the US, designed to help consumers identify and select suitable sunscreen products offering protection from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.

2015: Study Shows Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Damage Phytoplankton

A 2015 study showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles, when introduced to water and subjected to ultraviolet light, amplify the production of hydrogen peroxide, which damages phytoplankton.

2018: Hawaii Prohibits Sunscreens Containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

In 2018, Hawaii passed legislation that prohibits the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their potential harm to coral reefs.

2019: FDA Proposes Tighter Regulations on Sun Protection

In 2019, the FDA proposed tighter regulations on sun protection and general safety, including the requirement that sunscreen products with SPF greater than 15 must be broad spectrum, and imposing a prohibition on products with SPF greater than 60.

January 2020: Palau Bans Harmful Sun Cream Products

In January 2020, Palau banned the manufacturing and selling of sun cream products containing benzophenone-3, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl paraben, and phenoxyethanol, to protect the local coral reef and sea life.

2020: US FDA Approves Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as Safe Ultraviolet Filters

A 2020 study summarized that the US FDA currently approves only zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as safe ultraviolet filters, and for those concerned with coral bleaching, they should use non-nano ZnO or TiO2 since they have the most consistent safety data.

2021: FDA Introduces Additional Administrative Order on UV Filters

In 2021, the FDA introduced an additional administrative order regarding the safety classification of cosmetic UV filters, to categorize a given ingredient.