Raising the Bar on Sun Protection: Inside the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation

At Dermatology Week 2025, Anna L. Chien, MD, offered a timely session titled “The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation Program—Supporting Higher Standards in Sun Protection.” With sunscreen confusion at an all-time high and UVA awareness growing, Dr Chien walked attendees through the evolution of the Seal of Recommendation and the science behind stronger standards for modern photoprotection.

“We always recommend a multimodal photo protection strategy,” she said. “No one method is perfect but, together, we can do better.”

Dr Chien began with a look back at how sunscreen entered the public health conversation and how the Seal of Recommendation, established in 1981, became a trusted mark for safe and effective sun protection. What began with basic SPF benchmarks now includes rigorous criteria for sunscreens, clothing, window films, and UV-protective fabrics, all reviewed by the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee.

“We review the testing data for every product that applies,” she explained, “to ensure it meets the foundation’s standards for safe and effective sun protection.”

One of the biggest updates is that new, stricter requirements launched in May 2025. Daily-use sunscreens must now meet SPF 30 minimums, whereas active-use products must hit SPF 50 with UVA protection of at least 373 nanometers.

Dr Chien reminded attendees that UVA rays, although less discussed, make up 95% of the UV radiation reaching Earth and are deeply implicated in photoaging and skin cancer.

She also tackled common sunscreen misconceptions, including real-world usage patterns and labeling quirks. For instance, while many assume sunscreen needs time to “set,” recent studies show UV protection begins immediately after application. Reapplication remains critical after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

“Most people apply only 20% to 50% of the recommended amount,” she noted. “That’s why higher SPFs can help offset under-application in daily life.”

Beyond sunscreen, Dr Chien highlighted UPF-rated clothing and window films as vital tools in the photoprotection toolkit. Starting this year, fabrics must now meet a UPF 50 minimum—an increase from previous thresholds—to earn the Seal of Recommendation.

She also underscored the importance of fit, fiber, color, and wear in clothing-based UV protection. Polyester and nylon typically outperform cotton, and brimmed hats remain essential for shielding the face, ears, and neck.

Perhaps most engaging was Dr Chien’s walkthrough of how products earn the seal. From SPF and UVA testing to phototoxicity and human repeated insult patch test evaluations, the process includes independent third-party lab verification and, notably, exceeds current US Food and Drug Administration requirements.

“These are much more stringent standards,” she said, referencing the required 20-subject testing for irritation and sun reactivity.

Dr Chien closed with a practical reminder for clinicians: Simplify the science for your patients. Encourage daily use, layered strategies, and look for the Seal of Recommendation when choosing products.

“With so many products and so much information out there, it can be overwhelming,” she said. “We want to make sun protection easier, and more effective, for everyone.”

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Reference

Chien AL. The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation program—supporting higher standards in sun protection. Presented at: Dermatology Week; May 14–16, 2025; Virtual.