On June 14th, 2011 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new requirements for sunscreens currently sold over-the-counter (OTC). Under the new labeling regulations there are specific criteria outlining what types of products are able to claim they help prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and reduce the risk of early skin aging. The regulations also specify which products will require a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
The aims of this project were to:
- Examine changes in product availability, and health and product claims on sunscreen packaging, following implementation of new FDA regulations.
- Assess changes in consumer perceptions and knowledge about sunscreen and related health claims on sunscreen packaging following implementation of new FDA regulations.
- Examine the association of consumer perceptions, knowledge of sunscreen attributes, and knowledge of the new FDA regulations and sunscreen use (self-report and an objective measure).