Health Canada releases sunscreen testing results
- Starting date:
- June 28, 2018
- Type of communication:
- Information Update
- Subcategory:
- Drugs
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Identification number:
- RA-67134
Issue
June 28, 2018
For immediate release
OTTAWA – Last summer, Health Canada received a higher than expected number of reports of skin reactions suspected of being associated with Banana Boat sunscreen products. As a result of these reports, Health Canada tested a wide range of sunscreen brands and has now released a summary of the results.
The Department tested 27 sunscreens from various companies in its laboratories: 18 intended for use on children or infants, and 9 intended for use on adults.
Health Canada’s testing did not identify any serious concerns with the quality of these products. Of the sunscreens tested:
- All products were found to have a pH range close to the skin's natural pH level.
- All products contained the amount of active ingredient that was listed on the product label.
- None of the products contained the preservatives known to cause skin reactions: methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone.
- None of the products contained microbial contaminants above allowable levels.
The following products were tested by Health Canada:
| Tested Product | Product DIN |
|---|---|
| Anthelios Dermo-Kids Children Sunscreen Lotion | DIN 02433052 |
| Atoma Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50+ | DIN 02398044 |
| Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 | DIN 02283751 |
| Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02430207 |
| Banana Boat Kids Free Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ | DIN 02440849 |
| Banana Boat Sport Performance with Powerstay Technology Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 | DIN 02422352 |
| Banana Boat Sport Performance with Powerstay Technology Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ | DIN 02422360 |
| Banana Boat Sport Performance with Powerstay Technology Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 | DIN 02423545 |
| Coppertone General Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02314703 |
| Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray SPF 60 | DIN 02315041 |
| Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Accuspray Sunscreen SPF 30 | DIN 02315564 |
| Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion SPF 8 | DIN 01931199 |
| Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 | DIN 02330806 |
| Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02314681 |
| Equate Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02359936 |
| KINeSYS Kids Alcohol-Free Performance Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 | DIN 02375788 |
| Life Brand Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50+ | DIN 02447533 |
| Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 60 | DIN 02420953 |
| Neutrogena Cooldry Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02425033 |
| Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 60 | DIN 02354853 |
| Ombrelle Kids Lotion SPF 45 | DIN 02268736 |
| Ombrelle Kids Water Resistant Lotion SPF 30 | DIN 02268744 |
| Ombrelle Kids Water Resistant Lotion SPF 50+ Kids Lotion | DIN 02420368 |
| President’s Choice Kids’ Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50 | DIN 02448556 |
| Sunthera3 Kids Wet & Dry Sunscreen SPF 60 | DIN 02404613 |
| Sunzone Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 | DIN 02395894 |
| Sunzone Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ | DIN 02395983 |
Health Canada strongly encourages the use of sunscreens to protect against harmful UV radiation and provides general sun safety tips as well as safety tips for parents.
Although reactions observed are not the result of product quality issues, other factors that could have contributed to the reported reactions are under review. Health Canada is completing a comprehensive scientific and clinical safety review of sunscreens and their risk of causing skin reactions. This review includes safety data from the Canada Vigilance Database, sunscreen manufacturers, peer-reviewed scientific journals, and international regulatory agencies. A summary of the safety review will be released this summer, once the report has been completed.
The Department will continue to assess any new reports of adverse reactions to sunscreen and conduct further testing as required. Should Health Canada determine that there is a safety concern associated with any sunscreen products sold in Canada, it will take action and inform Canadians.
Report health or safety concerns
To report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada:
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
- Visit Health Canada’s web page on Adverse Reaction and Medical Device Problem Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.
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