Sunscreen Label Marketing Towards Pediatric Populations: Guidance for Navigating Sunscreen Choice

INTRODUCTION

 Sunscreen marketing to specific demographics is largely unregulated. Marketing specifically targeting pediatric populations has the potential to drive consumer behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provide recommendations for sunscreen use in children over the age of six months. This study sought to determine if sunscreen products marketed toward pediatric populations align with healthcare guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sunscreens available in major retail outlets in the Philadelphia area were cataloged and reviewed for marketing targeting specific demographics such as "baby", "babies", "children", "kids", "sports", and "active". The products were reviewed for sun protection factor (SPF), broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) protection, water resistance, active UV filters, and application method.  Results: Of 410 sunscreens cataloged, 27 were marketed towards "baby" or "babies", 44 towards "children" or "kids", and 71 towards "sports" or "active". All of the sunscreen products reviewed targeting the pediatric population offered water resistance for up to 80 minutes and broad-spectrum UV coverage. Sunscreens targeting "baby" or "babies" aligned most closely with AAP guidelines for sunscreen use in pediatric populations, with 92.6% offering an SPF between 15 to 50 and no products including oxybenzone as a UV filter. However, sunscreens targeting "children", "kids", "sports", and "active" bore a close resemblance to the overall sunscreen profile for all demographics but with a higher percentage of products containing oxybenzone. Oxybenzone was found in 11.4% of "children" and "kids" products and 16.9% of "sports" and "active" sunscreen products, compared to 7.6% of all sunscreen products available, and was also found in most sunscreen products with an SPF of 70 or higher.

CONCLUSION

 Sunscreen products marketed towards "baby" and "babies" tend to align closely with guidelines for sunscreen use in the pediatric population for children over six months of age; however, those with brand marketing towards "children", "kids", "sports", and "active" do not. Limiting recommendations for a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 to 50 targeting this demographic, however, sufficiently meets guidelines set forth by the AAP and AAD.

Characteristics and common ultraviolet filter usage of sunscreens purchased online: Cross-cultural analysis across 5 continents

BACKGROUND

A wide range of sunscreen products are available globally. Designed to meet various customer needs, they differ in formulations type, textures, ingredients, ultraviolet (UV) protection capabilities, and other properties. Knowing the factors influencing the purchase of sunscreens and the UV filters commonly used in each global region would be beneficial for dermatologists, consumers, and regulators.

METHODS

Data on 50 best-selling sunscreens from each of 20 countries on 5 continents (1000 products in all) were retrieved from Amazon Marketplace during the period from January to July 2021.

RESULTS

Among the 5 continents, Asia had the highest proportion of consumers (71.1%) choosing high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens (SPF ≥50). In contrast, Europe had the highest percentage (11.8%) purchasing <30 SPF sunscreens. The lack of standard UVA protection labeling was significantly highest in South America. The use of inorganic-based sunscreen was highest in North America, and across all continents, those products were significantly more expensive than organic-based sunscreens. Globally, lotions were the most favored formulation type. "Nongreasy/dry touch" (45.1%) and "lightweight texture" (40.4%) were the most common promotional terms used. The most common UV filters differed among regions. Iron oxide, which can function as a visible light filter, was most frequently found in sunscreens in South America (20%) and North America (19.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The regional factors influencing the purchase of sunscreen products differed. A considerable number of sunscreens may not provide adequate sun protection for consumers. Dermatologists should recommend sunscreens with sufficient UV protection that suit the skin of individual consumers.

Development of a Survey of Sunscreen Use and Attitudes among Adults in Two Coastal States, 2019

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreens can prevent skin cancer. However, a new law in Hawaii that limits sunscreen choices due to the belief that some UV (ultraviolet) filters may damage coral reefs may reduce sunscreen use and increase skin-cancer risk. Because of this, there is a need for measurement tools to help understand consumer behavior and determinants of sunscreen purchase and use. The objectives of this study were (1) to test new questionnaire measures relevant to the Hawaii Sunscreen Ban; and (2) to assess adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and habits related to sunscreen in two other coastal states. This survey of adult residents of California and Florida was conducted in the summer of 2019. Newly developed scales addressed beliefs about effects of sunscreens on aquatic/marine environments and awareness of the Hawaii sunscreen ban. Respondents completed the survey twice to evaluate the test–retest reliability. Respondents (n = 162) were mainly female, White, and college-educated. New scales had moderate-to-high internal consistency and high test–retest reliability. Sunscreen use was high, sunburn was common, and knowledge and attitudes about sunscreen were modest. Most respondents did not know the specifics of the Hawaii Sunscreen Ban. In multivariate models, significant predictors of sunscreen use were being older, female, and having higher sunscreen knowledge. Sunscreen beliefs were not significantly associated with sunscreen use or sunburn. The findings support the use of the newly developed survey and suggest that more education about sunscreen and sunscreen ingredients is needed.

Reducing the prevalence of chemical UV filters from sunscreen in aquatic environments: Regulatory, public awareness, and other considerations

Given increasing concerns about the persistence and toxic effects of some sunscreen ingredients in aquatic ecosystems, several states, territories, and nations have banned the sale and/or possession of sunscreens containing chemicals of concern. Little is known, however, about the outcomes or effectiveness of these efforts to reduce the prevalence of toxic chemicals in coastal waters. This article reviews the state of knowledge relating to regulatory and other efforts to reduce the impact of chemical ingredients in sunscreens on aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the following questions: To what extent will local legislative restrictions on ingredients actually reduce the concentrations of chemicals in coastal waters and protect aquatic health? Do these legislative measures effectively decrease overall public use of sunscreens containing potentially harmful ingredients, or would other measures, such as local outreach programs, consumer education, or broad-scale ingredient regulation, be more effective? How might restrictions on chemical UV filters impact human health? Although it is still early to assess the outcomes of recent ingredient bans, their effectiveness is limited by the fact that legislation generally applies only to sunscreens sold within the legislating jurisdiction. Public awareness campaigns can be locally effective, but they are hindered by the absence of clear environmental labeling standards for sunscreen. Although retail and industry groups, and many dermatologists, cite concerns that sunscreen ingredient bans might lead to increased incidences of skin cancer, consumer preferences are influenced by a wide range of factors and no studies clearly document whether restrictions on chemical ingredients will cause people to use sun protection less frequently or less effectively. Until more information is available, many consider it prudent to take a precautionary approach to sunscreen regulation supported by broad-scale, consistent regulatory policies and labeling standards that limit chemical ingredients to those considered safe for human use and ecosystem health. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:982-988. © 2021 SETAC.

Perils & pearls of purchasing sun protection over the internet: A google project

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Sunscreen use has been shown to reduce the incidence of skin cancers. Internet purchasing allows access to internationally sourced sunscreens, despite varying accepted active ingredients and regulations around the world.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

To determine the compliance of international sunscreen products advertised on the internet with the current Australian sunscreen standard (AS/NZS 2604:2012).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six sunscreen-related search queries were executed on Google between January-November 2018. Qualitative analysis of the search results to determine compliance with the current Australian sunscreen standard (AS/NZS 2604:2012) was performed by collecting descriptive data, including listed active ingredients of each advertised product. These were compared against the AS/NZS 2604:2012 list of permitted active ingredients. The compliance status of each product, and reasons for non-compliance were annotated. A multiple regression contingency table test was performed to determine whether compliance was associated with the products' country of origin, and a post hoc analysis was performed to identify countries with significant differences in discrepancy in compliance rate.

RESULTS

Execution of the sunscreen-related search queries on Google generated 1350 results. Only 613 of the 1291 (47.5%) included products were compliant with the AS/NZS 2604:2012 permitted sunscreen active ingredients. 552 of 1291 products were non-compliant due to insufficient information advertised. Australia, India and South Korea had significantly lower than expected compliance rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Online marketing of sunscreen products from other countries has a significantly lower than expected compliance rate with the AS/NZS 2604:2012 permitted sunscreen active ingredients, with many lacking the disclosure of the active ingredients. Advertising regulations for online suppliers need to be tightened to ensure that online consumers purchasing sunscreen products can make informed decisions, as the international E-commerce market rapidly expands.