Regulations and Standards for Sunscreen Products

Sunscreen is an essential product for everyone, however not all formulators possess the expertise required to develop it correctly. There is a growing concern within the industry regarding the increasing number of businesses formulating and selling sunscreen products without undergoing appropriate testing or obtaining the required regulatory approvals.

A common misconception is that sunscreens are simply cosmetic products. In reality, sunscreens are frequently regulated as therapeutic goods, drugs, or quasi-drugs, depending on the jurisdiction. This misunderstanding can result in sunscreens being incorrectly marketed as cosmetic products, which poses potential risks to consumer safety and exposes brands to significant regulatory non-compliance.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape and industry standards applicable to sunscreen products. It outlines key considerations in sunscreen formulation, relevant regulatory requirements, and examples of acceptable claims to support compliance while prioritising consumer safety.