Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Believes You Deserve Higher-Quality Sunscreen

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez believes that Americans deserve better sunscreen. In a recent Instagram video, Ocasio-Cortez teamed up with skincare founder Charlotte Palermino to discuss the shortcomings of sunscreen in the United States and how we can improve it. According to Ocasio-Cortez, sunscreens in the US are lagging behind those in other countries, particularly South Korea, where she noticed significantly more advanced sunscreen options. This discrepancy is not an indication of the safety of sunscreens available in American stores, but rather a reflection of the differences in regulations between the US and other countries.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreen as a drug rather than a cosmetic product. While this has its benefits, such as more rigorous testing and clinical studies, it also introduces a complex set of regulations that can be time-consuming and expensive to navigate. Ocasio-Cortez highlights that these bureaucratic hurdles can prevent the introduction of new and improved sunscreen filters into the market. Interestingly, the US sunscreen filter has not been updated since 1999, despite significant advancements in the beauty industry during that time.

Ocasio-Cortez cites a 2017 study that revealed only half of the sunscreens in the US meet European protection standards. This concern has been discussed extensively within the beauty industry, including in an Allure article by Sable Yong featured in the video. According to cosmetic chemist Stephen Ko, the lack of innovation in US sunscreens is not due to a lack of capability but rather the difficulty of getting new ingredients approved. Unlike cosmetic products, sunscreen chemicals require formal drug approval, which has not been granted for any new ingredients since 1999.

While the FDA has made some updates to sunscreen regulations in 2011 and has announced a reevaluation of certain ingredients in 2019, the approval process in the US remains slower compared to other countries. Ocasio-Cortez urges viewers to contact their member of Congress, especially those on the Energy and Commerce Committee, to raise awareness about this issue. She suggests asking Congress to break down regulatory barriers at the FDA and allocate funds for public research to facilitate the development of better sunscreen filters.

To take action, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their Congressperson and express the need for the US to catch up with the sunscreen advancements seen in other countries. Ocasio-Cortez emphasizes that Congress lacks awareness on this issue, making it vital for citizens to share their thoughts and advocate for change. By contacting Congress, Americans can contribute to improving the availability and quality of sunscreen in the United States.

In summary, Ocasio-Cortez and Palermino highlight the disparity between sunscreen regulations in the US and other countries, particularly South Korea. The complex and time-consuming nature of sunscreen regulation as a drug in the US has hindered the introduction of new and improved sunscreen filters. By contacting members of Congress, individuals can raise awareness and push for changes that will benefit the American public and align US sunscreen standards with those of other countries.