Friday, May 8, 2015

There Is No Such Thing As Sunblock

The most recent changes to the FDA's sunscreen monograph consider a product labeled as sunblock misbranded and subject to removal from the marketplace. In an attempt to make things clearer for the consumer, here are some terms you should NEVER SEE on your sunscreen label, or heard made as a claim:
  • sunblock
  • waterproof/sweat-proof
  • claims of protection over 2 hours
  • SPF rating listed over 50
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.

This is the biggest take-away. I believe using the term "sunblock" gives a false sense of security of protection that isn't really there.

Again, we're talking semantics. If a label, or its representative makes some of the claims above, move on to another brand. The deadline for these changes is long past. And hey - let's stop saying it too!