The sunscreen scene in the United States can often feel… static.

So, what gives?

Why does the rest of the world have access to better sunscreensand will the U.S. ever catch up?

woman rubbing a sunscreen into her shoulder

Artem Podrez / Stocksy

Read on for what we found out.

Meet the Experts

What’s in U.S. Sunscreens?

A buffet of elegant, lightweight formulations that don’t just protect skin but also enhance it.

Ever heard of Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, or Mexoryl XL?

Why Is the FDA Holding Out?

“The primary issues are regulatory and testing-related,” says Friedman.

Some chemical UV filters, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, haveraised health and environmental red flags.

Are International Sunscreens Really Better?

Dermatologists agree: The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use.

That said, “Ease of software and cosmetic elegance significantly improve sunscreen compliance,” says Friedman.

Will the U.S.

There’s hope, but it’s moving at a snail’s pace.

Look for broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours.

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