This Trendy Form Of Sunscreen Got Flagged By The FDA

Making sunscreen part of a daily routine gives steady protection for skin that can become thinner and more sensitive with age.

But the type of sunscreen matters especially with the new warning by the FDA.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to several companies marketing mousse, foam, or “whip” sunscreens, including products from well-known brands such Supergoop! and Vacation Inc, Kalani Sunwear, Botao Baby, Tizo Skin, and more. Sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs. Under the current rules, only certain dosage forms are allowed without a specific FDA approval order: oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments, sticks, sprays, and powders. Foams, mousses, and whipped forms are not on that list, so they are not authorized unless a separate FDA order is granted.

While this is primarily a regulatory issue, the FDA has also cautioned publicly that mousse sunscreens “might not be effective.” That caution reflects the fact that these whipped forms of sunscreen have not gone through the FDA process to confirm SPF performance, water resistance, and proper labeling for OTC use.

The agency also flagged that some mousse products look like whipped-cream canisters, which can create safety risks if someone mistakes them for food.

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Here are non-whipped sunscreen options you can consider. If you purchase through our links, Elder Love USA may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us continue our mission to provide affordable, compassionate in-home care.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50

 A sheer, fast-absorbing broad-spectrum SPF 60 fluid that layers well under makeup, is water-resistant (80 minutes), and is gentle on sensitive skin.

Purchase Here

Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

A lightweight, quick-drying, fragrance-free broad-spectrum SPF 50 spray

Purchase Here

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

 A mineral broad-spectrum SPF 50 lotion with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that’s water-resistant, hypoallergenic, fragrance- and paraben-free

Purchase Here

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What This Means For Older Adults & Caregivers

Keep using sunscreen, but choose a form the FDA recognizes right now. Johns Hopkins recommends SPF 30 or higher for daily use, and SPF 60 or higher if you will be outdoors for longer periods, since most people under-apply sunscreen and higher SPF helps compensate. For caregivers, you can make sun safety easy to remember. Keep a pump bottle by the door and a travel-size tube in a bag. Help cover easy-to-miss spots like ears, scalp lines, and the backs of hands. Set a simple phone reminder for reapplication. Check that products are not expired.