Photostability of UV Filters Is Critical

Last week’s historic Final Rule issued by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) sets new standards for testing and labeling sunscreens sold in the United States and shines a light on the importance of photostability expertise in the sunscreen formulation process.

The announced changes are designed to provide consumers with better information about the ability of sunscreen products to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as help prevent sunburn, when used as directed with other sun protection measures. According to the FDA, sunscreens that meet the new standards can claim to be “Broad Spectrum” prominently on their labels. Sunscreens that do not meet the new standards or have SPF values less than 15 must carry a warning on their labels that they only protect against sunburn and do not protect against skin cancer and early skin aging. To earn the “Broad Spectrum” designation, sunscreens must have a critical wavelength of at least 370.

According to scientists at The HallStar Company, achieving the 370 benchmark is not feasible without including a UVA filter, such as Avobenzone, a popular and effective, yet photo-unstable, filter.“The lab test required for critical wavelength takes photostability into account by requiring a pre-irradiation step,” says Craig Bonda, research and development director at HallStar. “The sunscreen sample is exposed to UV radiation before the critical wavelength is determined. Photo-unstable sunscreens may fail the test.”

A pioneer in photostability technology, HallStar markets a portfolio of photostabilizers that provide formulators flexibility in addressing the challenges by the changing regulatory landscape.

SolaStay S1, launched in 2009, makes it easier for formulators to achieve the broad spectrum designation in all cases. Without SolaStay S1, sunscreens containing the combination of the Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and Avobenzone, the most widely used UVB and UVA filters in the world, respectively, are unlikely to achieve the broad spectrum designation.

“HallStar applauds the FDA for last week’s announcement,” said John Paro, HallStar’s Chairman, President, and CEO. “We are committed to making advancements in sunscreen technology and are confident that our family of photostabilizers will help formulators achieve the benchmarks established by the FDA to help inform and protect consumers.”

More info: www.hallstar.com/fda