We are completing our series on "Compounding Cosmetics for Special Populations and for Use as Compounding Vehicles" by looking at sunscreen ingredients, their concentrations, and their effective wavelength ranges.

Sunscreen Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.

In addition to solar intensity, there are a number of other factors that influence the amount of solar energy that a consumer is exposed to:

• skin type
• amount of sunscreen applied
• reapplication frequency

The FDA regulates sunscreens to ensure they meet safety and effectiveness standards. To improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of sunscreens, the FDA posted a proposed order on September 24, 2021 that describes updated proposed requirements for sunscreens. Given the recognized public health benefits of sunscreen use, Americans should continue to use sunscreen with other sun protective measures as this important effort moves forward. The following table provides a list of sunscreen ingredients, their concentrations, and their effective wavelength ranges when used in sunscreen products.

^aUVB = 290-320 nm; UVA = 320-400 nm; UVA I = 340-400 nm; UVA II (also called near UVA) = 320-340 nm.