Is 'body wash sunscreen' the next big anti-aging product?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“Body washes, by their very nature, are designed to be rinsed off, which fundamentally conflicts with principles of effective sunscreen application.” — Justin Ko, MD, MBA
“There is a real chance of harm if these products remain marketed and promoted as safe and effective if they haven’t been proven to be.” — Joseph Zahn, MD
Does a body wash sunscreen sound too good to be true? It just might be. The FDA has issued a warning letter to a company selling a “body wash + UV” marketed as a sunscreen. []
“The FDA's warning letter regarding body wash sunscreens does not surprise me,” Justin Ko, MD, MBA, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University, tells MDLinx. “The warning letter highlights the challenges in regulating products that blur the lines between cosmetics and OTC drugs."
While the concept of a body wash with added UV filters might seem appealing for convenience, sunscreen products are regulated as OTC drugs, and they must meet stringent criteria to ensure safety and efficacy, Dr. Ko explains.
Body washes, by their very nature, are designed to be rinsed off, which fundamentally conflicts with principles of effective sunscreen application, Dr. Ko adds.
“In my mind, a very relevant question is whether a product designed to be washed off can consistently deliver the required level of protection, and one that should be answered by appropriate testing prior to a company making claims about its efficacy,” Dr. Ko says.
Misleading advertising
The warning letter from the FDA cites several claims made by the company, including customer reviews on the company’s website that describe use of the product as a sunscreen. This, says the FDA, classifies it as a “drug product,” but there is no FDA-approved application for it.
One of the testimonials the FDA cited was this one: “I’ve been using Body Wash UV every day in the shower for about three weeks … I had about 3 hours of direct sun exposure, which was definitely in burn area … I couldn’t believe it. I was like, 'How did I not get burned?' Then it hit me—Body Wash UV! I use it everyday … The fact that it protects me from getting roasted when I don’t put sun block lotion on is awesome.”
Joseph Zahn, MD, a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at George Washington University, says claims like this are problematic. “I ultimately find that this kind of review can be harmful,” he says.
“These reviews can mislead individuals into thinking that the product is safe and effective, when in reality, it has not been proven to be either of those things. There is a real chance of harm if these products remain marketed and promoted as safe and effective if they haven’t been proven to be," Dr. Zahn says.
Individuals without all of the information may think that they have adequate sun protection, and instead receive a sunburn, increasing their risk of skin cancer or other UV-related issues, Dr. Zahn adds.
What makes an effective sunscreen?
Effective sunscreens typically include the following according to Dr. Ko:
Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
An SPF of 30 or higher
Formulation that allows for even, consistent application and adherence to the skin
Water resistance, if relevant or applicable
Compliance with FDA regulations for OTC sunscreen drugs
Consistent application (and reapplication)
Body wash and sun protection
But is a body wash that provides sun protection even possible? The experts who spoke with MDLinx have their doubts.
“If it sounds too good to be true, do some additional digging,” Dr. Ko says. “Physicians should advise patients to prioritize traditional, evidence-based sun protection practices. Explain the limitations of novel delivery methods and emphasize the importance of reading labels and understanding product instructions. Encourage open dialogue about sun protection habits and concerns.”
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