- In a video, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed the shortcomings of US sunscreens compared to those from other countries.
- The FDA’s stricter regulations on sunscreen have resulted in less advanced formulas.
- AOC encouraged viewers to reach out to Congress to relax FDA restrictions and provide funding for public research.
If you’ve ever avoided reapplying American sunscreen because it leaves a white cast or you still somehow get burned anyway, you’re not alone.
Some Americans are even bringing back sunscreen from abroad, lugging French bottles in their suitcases or paying extra fees to get Asian sunscreens shipped internationally.
However, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has proposed a simpler solution: improving US sunscreens.
“US sunscreens are lagging behind the rest of the world,” stated the representative in a TikTok video with licensed esthetician Charlotte Palermino.
In the video, Ocasio-Cortez mentioned her visit to South Korea earlier this year, where she observed the “far advanced” sunscreen formulas available. She believes that Americans deserve better products too.
The FDA’s slow approval process for new UV filters
Ocasio-Cortez referred to Insider’s previous reporting to highlight how the FDA regulates sunscreen as a drug rather than a cosmetic product, resulting in a slower approval process for new UV filters compared to other countries.
In the video, Ocasio-Cortez mentioned that there are potential ways for the US to change this FDA rule.
“Congress has not been sufficiently aware of this issue,” she explained, addressing the lack of action taken to address it.
“Please contact your member of Congress; it’s not too corny,” she emphasized. She suggested reaching out to members on the Energy and Commerce committee, as they have jurisdiction over the FDA.
When contacting them, she recommended asking for looser FDA restrictions on sunscreen and increased funding for public research.
Countries like France and South Korea offer more advanced formulas
Dr. Ellen Gendler, a dermatologist based in New York City, previously informed Insider that US sunscreens are effective at blocking UVB rays, which cause sunburn.
However, Gendler noted that when it comes to protecting against UVA rays (which penetrate the skin more deeply and may be more harmful than UVB rays), our sunscreen formulas are inadequate.
That’s why people can still get tanned while wearing sunscreen, and UVA rays are also linked to skin cancer.
Due to more relaxed regulations, countries like France, South Korea, the UK, Japan, and Australia have access to more protective sunscreens with smoother application.
Gendler’s preferred international sunscreen, La Roche Posay’s SPF 50 Anthelios UVMune 400, utilizes Mexoryl 400, an advanced version of one of the best UVA-blocking ingredients. She stocks up on it during her visits to France because the American version of the same sunscreen cannot use that ingredient.
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