Coppertone® Press Releases
Coppertone® products can be purchased nationwide at food, drug, mass and Internet retailers.
For Media Contacts Only
Amy Rose
Merck Global Media Relations
908-473-5161
All other requests 1-866-288-3330
Coppertone Products Already Meet New
FDA 2012 "Broad Spectrum" Standard
On June 14, 2011, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced new testing and labeling requirements for sunscreen products sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the US. All Coppertone sprays and lotions with an SPF of 15 or greater in stores today already meet the FDA's newly announced 2012 standard for "broad spectrum" protection. You can feel confident in continuing to use Coppertone products as they provide excellent protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Ask the doctor
Dr. Elizabeth Hale
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
New York University School of Medicine
Question 1
I keep hearing about "broad spectrum protection" now that the new FDA sunscreen rules have been announced. What does this mean for me? Watch the answer video
Question 2
Why will sunscreens have to include a "Drug Facts" box on the label?Watch the answer video
Question 3
My family loves to swim and spend time outdoors. In light of the new FDA rules, how will I be able to find a sunscreen that stays on well in water?Watch the answer video
Question 4
What advice do you have for anyone about to go shopping for sunscreens now?Watch the answer video
Question 5
I heard that there may be more changes to come for sunscreens. What does this mean for me?Watch the answer video
Memo from the Scientists
at the Coppertone Solar Research Center
Recently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced new requirements for the testing and labeling of sunscreen products. We welcome the FDA's announcement and support efforts to make it easier for people to choose sun protection for themselves and their families. Below, find some brief highlights:
What's Changing:
Testing Requirements
The FDA specified certain testing requirements for sunscreen products:
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A standard test method for measuring broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays
- - All Coppertone sprays and lotions with an SPF 15 or greater in stores today already meet the newly announced 2012 standard for "broad spectrum" protection.
Labeling Requirements
The FDA specified certain labeling requirements for sunscreen products:
- Products that pass the broad spectrum test may be labeled "Broad Spectrum SPF XX"
- Products that pass water resistant SPF testing may be labeled "Water Resistant (40 or 80 minutes)"
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All sunscreens will be required to include a "Drug Facts" box on the label
- - All Coppertone sprays and lotions with an SPF of 15 or greater in stores today already meet the newly announced 2012 standards for "broad spectrum" and "water resistant (80 minutes)" protection.
What may change:
-
In addition, a rule was proposed to limit SPF values to “50+”. A timeframe for a decision on this proposed rule was not communicated. Until a final decision is made, products with SPF values over 50 will remain available.
- - Higher SPF protection appeals to some consumers. Coppertone offers a variety of suncare products with SPF ratings to best suit the needs and preferences of our consumers.
What do these changes mean for me?
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Continue using your favorite Coppertone products and look for these labeling changes in stores in Summer 2012.
- - We are pleased that the FDA reaffirmed the benefits of sunscreen usage as one part of a comprehensive sun protection program. Consumers can be confident in continuing to use all Coppertone products.
