More effective sunscreen ingredients are available abroad but not in the U.S. : Shots - Health News

Countries like Japan, South Korea, and France use advanced sunscreen ingredients that offer better UVA protection than those available in the U.S. The FDA's stringent approval process, influenced by a 1938 law requiring animal testing, hinders the adoption of these superior ingredients in the U.S. market.

A bipartisan effort in Congress aims to update the FDA's testing requirements to allow non-animal testing methods, potentially speeding up the introduction of these effective sunscreen ingredients in the U.S. Meanwhile, the debate continues over the safety and efficacy of current U.S. sunscreen components amid rising skin cancer rates and concerns about UV protection.