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Today, Explained
Why American sunscreen sucks
Sep 6, 2023
Amanda Mull, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the shortcomings of American sunscreen, while Elise Hu, a journalist and K-beauty expert, highlights global alternatives, especially from South Korea. They discuss why better sunscreen isn't available in the U.S., revealing regulatory hurdles and a lack of FDA-approved filters since 1999. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of sunscreen use in South Korea, showcasing how beauty standards influence skincare routines, contrasting sharply with Western attitudes toward tanning.
26:44
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Quick takeaways
- The US sunscreen industry lags behind other countries in terms of outdated filters and limited approved ingredients, leading to greasy, breakout-causing, and white cast-leaving American sunscreens.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) advocates for regulatory changes to allow newer and better-performing sunscreen filters in the US, aiming to increase FDA's flexibility in considering data from outside the US and encouraging skincare companies to provide required information.
Deep dives
The Problem with US Sunscreen
The US sunscreen industry has fallen behind the rest of the world, with outdated filters and limited approved ingredients. American sunscreen often feels greasy, causes breakouts, and leaves a white cast on the skin. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has called for regulatory changes to allow for the use of newer and better-performing sunscreen filters available in Europe and Asia. The FDA's strict approval process, which requires expensive clinical trials, discourages companies from seeking approval for their sunscreen ingredients.
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