History of Sunscreen in Timeline

Sunscreen is a topical product designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, including sunburn and skin cancer. Available in various forms like lotions, sprays, and gels, it serves as a crucial supplement to protective clothing such as sunglasses and hats. Recognized for its importance in public health, sunscreen is included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, highlighting its significance in preventing sun-related skin damage.

1932: First sunscreen invented in Australia

In 1932, the first sunscreen was invented in Australia by chemist H.A. Milton Blake, formulated with the UV filter Tannic acid at a concentration of 10%. Its protection was verified by the University of Adelaide.

1933: Patent for novantisolic acid as sunscreen

In 1933, novantisolic acid was patented in Germany as a sunscreen protection agent. The following year, it was patented in the United States.

1936: L'Oreal releases its first sunscreen

In 1936, L'Oreal released its first sunscreen product, formulated by French chemist Eugène Schueller.

1944: Red Vet Pet Produced for US Military

In 1944, during World War II, Benjamin Green produced Red Vet Pet (Red Veterinary Petrolatum) for the US military to protect soldiers in the Pacific tropics from sun overexposure.

1946: Gletscher Crème introduced

In 1946, Austrian chemist Franz Greiter introduced a sunscreen product called Gletscher Crème (Glacier Cream), which later became the basis for the company Piz Buin.

1974: SPF Introduced as Global Standard

In 1974, Franz Greiter introduced the "sun protection factor" (SPF), adapting calculations from Friedrich Ellinger and Rudolf Schulze. SPF became the global standard for measuring UVB protection.

1974: Death of physicist Erich Merkel

The physicist Erich Merkel who researched the effects of sunscreen and solar radiation died in 1974.

1977: Water-resistant sunscreens introduced

In 1977, water-resistant sunscreens were introduced to the market. Further development focused on longer-lasting, broader-spectrum protection, environmental friendliness, ease of use, and addressing safety concerns of petrochemical sunscreens.

1978: FDA first adopted the SPF calculation

In 1978, the FDA first adopted the SPF calculation in the United States.

1978: Death of chemist Christian Wiegand

The chemist Christian Wiegand who researched the effects of sunscreen and solar radiation died in 1978.

1999: No new UV filters approved by FDA since 1999

As of April 2026, no new UV filters have been approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics since 1999.

2002: Research on sunscreens increasing virus abundance in seawater

In 2002, research indicated that sunscreens might escalate virus abundance in seawater, compromising the marine environment.

2006: EU Requirement for UVA protection

In 2006, as part of revised guidelines for sunscreens in the EU, there is a requirement to provide the consumer with a minimum level of UVA protection in relation to the SPF, with a UVA protection factor of at least 1/3 of the SPF.

August 2007: FDA consults on UVA protection protocol

In August 2007, the FDA consulted on a proposal to use a protocol informing users of American products about the protection against UVA. The protocol was not adopted due to concerns it would be too confusing.

2007: FDA proposed maximum SPF label of 50

In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a maximum SPF label of 50 in draft rules, to limit unrealistic claims.

2008: Investigation on sunscreen brands revealing unanimous bleaching effects on hard corals

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

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

In 2009, the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 was established in Europe, where sunscreens are considered a cosmetic product rather than an over-the-counter drug.

June 2011: FDA issued sunscreen rules

In June 2011, the FDA issued comprehensive rules for sunscreen labeling in the United States, designed to help consumers identify and select suitable sunscreen products offering protection from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer, taking effect in 2012-2013.

2011: FDA draft rules propose SPF label maximum of 50

In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a maximum SPF label of 50 in draft rules, to limit unrealistic claims.

2012: Australia increases SPF upper limit to 50+

In 2012, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration increased the upper limit for sunscreen labels from SPF 30+ to SPF 50+.

2012: Regulation of sunscreen as a cosmetic product began in Mercosur

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

2012: FDA sunscreen rules taking effect

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

2012: FDA defines broad spectrum for sunscreen

In 2012, the US FDA defined the phrase "broad spectrum" for sunscreens as providing UVA protection proportional to the UVB protection, using a standardized testing method. This rule was effective from summer 2012.

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

In July 2013, the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 was created in Europe, where sunscreens are considered a cosmetic product rather than an over-the-counter drug.

2013: Study concludes sunscreen prevents wrinkles and sagging

A 2013 study concluded that diligent, everyday application of sunscreen could slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.

2013: FDA sunscreen rules taking effect

In 2013, the FDA comprehensive rules for sunscreen labeling in the United States started taking effect, designed to help consumers identify and select suitable sunscreen products offering protection from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.

2013: PA++++ included in the system.

The PA system, used to measure UVA protection, was revised in 2013 to include PA++++ which corresponds to a PPD rating of sixteen or above.

2014: Sunscreen Innovation Act passed

The 2014 Sunscreen Innovation Act was passed to accelerate the FDA approval process for new UV filters.

2015: Study on titanium dioxide nanoparticles

In a 2015 study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles in water subjected to ultraviolet light were shown to amplify hydrogen peroxide production, damaging phytoplankton.

2016: Zinc oxide approved in EU

Zinc oxide was approved as a UV filter by the EU in 2016.

2018: Hawaii bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate

In 2018, Hawaii passed legislation prohibiting the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their potential harm to coral DNA and marine ecosystems.

February 2019: FDA classifies UV filter molecules

In February 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began classifying already approved UV filter molecules into three categories: generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE), non-GRASE, and those requiring further evaluation.

August 2019: FDA has not adopted the SPF 50 limit

As of August 2019, the FDA has not adopted the proposed SPF 50 limit for sunscreen labels.

2019: FDA Proposed Tighter Regulations

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 banned certain sun cream products

On January 1, 2020, Palau banned manufacturing and selling sun cream products containing benzophenone-3, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl paraben, and phenoxyethanol to protect local coral reef and sea life.

2021: FDA Administrative Order on UV Filters

In 2021, the FDA introduced an additional administrative order regarding the safety classification of cosmetic UV filters.

2021: Increased interest in protection from high-energy visible light and infrared light

In 2021, there was increasing interest in sunscreens protecting against high-energy visible light and infrared light, alongside ultraviolet light, due to research revealing their synergistic contribution to skin damage, however there are no regulatory guidelines or mandatory testing protocols that govern these claims.

2021: PABA and trolamine salicylate banned

In 2021, two previously approved UV filters, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate, were banned in the USA due to safety concerns. Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recognized as GRASE.