Recently, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) hosted a Sunscreen Showcase in Washington, DC, bringing together sunscreen manufacturers and suppliers to discuss innovations in suncare and protection. The event featured product exhibits from leading brands in the field, including Beiersdorf, dsm-firmenich, Kenvue and L’Oréal, as well as expert presentations on the important role of sunscreen products in preventing skin cancer, current regulatory efforts regarding sunscreens, and the need for continued research and testing in sun protection.
To learn more about the event and its key outcomes, we interviewed Thomas Myers, President and CEO of PCPC, to get his insights.
About the event
“The Sunscreen Showcase brought together sunscreen manufacturers and suppliers to showcase this important product category and its impact on public health,” said Myers, “highlighting the need for advanced sunscreen formulations to fight skin cancer and protect public health.” With growing interest in sunscreen products to protect skin health among U.S. consumers of all ages, genders and races, the primary focus of the Sunscreen Showcase reflected current priorities for the cosmetics and personal care products industry as key players strive to better meet consumer demand.
Myers said the event is particularly significant because “despite advances in science since Congress passed the Sunscreen Innovation Act 10 years ago, the United States still lags behind other countries in adopting new sunscreen filters.” Thus, he explained, the Sunscreen Showcase embodies the industry’s commitment to closing the gap and reducing the incidence of skin cancer through education and closer collaboration between the medical community, government, advocacy groups and the personal care products industry.
Key Takeaways
Regarding the importance of sunscreen innovation and safety with respect to consumer preferences and current market trends, Myers explained that “the US lags behind other countries, particularly EU countries, in approving new UV filters,” adding that “this slow process limits our ability to offer a variety of innovative, cruelty-free sunscreen products for different skin tones and types.” He further explained that the lengthy process is because “in the US, sunscreens are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter drugs, which require similar testing protocols and approval processes as those used for prescription drugs.”
This means that “EU consumers enjoy a greater variety of advanced sunscreens, while US consumers have fewer choices,” and “this regulatory stagnation in the US is of particular concern given rising rates of skin cancer,” Myers said. As a result, “industry stakeholders like the PCPC and its member companies are calling for improvements to better meet changing consumer demands and ensure everyone has access to the best sunscreen,” he said.
In addition to discussing the current regulatory status of sunscreen products in the U.S., the Sunscreen Showcase also featured sunscreen products that demonstrate innovative advances. “The products on display demonstrate the innovation and scientific sophistication of the industry in making safe and effective sunscreens,” said Myers. “PCPC member companies DSM-Firmenich, [who] The company outlined its ongoing efforts to introduce new UV filters to the US that have been approved in the EU since 1999. He clarified that part of the reason the approval process is taking so long is “due to changes in the FDA’s regulatory approval pathway over the past 20 years.”
This is despite the Sunscreen Innovation Act of 2014. [which] “We are committed to expediting the review and approval of new sunscreen ingredients,” Myers added. “We believe the best sunscreen is one that people use, and we are committed to promoting access to the most advanced and effective sunscreens around the world,” Myers continued. Thus, he said, PCPC remains committed to working with Congress and the FDA to “ensure access to the most effective and innovative sunscreen filters for all skin types and needs.”
Looking to the future
Following the successful conclusion of the Sunscreen Showcase, Myers concluded that PCPC will remain true to its priorities of “continuing to develop scientifically sound non-animal testing, advocating for global acceptance of non-animal safety testing, and ensuring access to cutting-edge sunscreen filters.” “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sunscreen Innovation Act,” he noted, “yet the FDA has yet to approve any new filters.”
Regardless, he reiterated that PCPC is “committed to improving sun protection and consumer health” and will continue to host industry education and advocacy events like the Sunscreen Showcase.
