The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee has new standards for the Seal of Recommendation earned by products that meet its criteria for safe and effective sun protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB.

The Photobiology Committee also issued a public safety warning regarding the prevalence of sun protection misinformation amid growing skin cancer rates in the U.S.

The 2025 Seal of Recommendation criteria

Daily Use Seal of Recommendation for sunscreen: 

• Minimum SPF: 30
• Water resistance substantiation required, if claimed
• Minimum critical wavelength (UVA): 373 nm
• Minimum HRIPT and Phototoxicity requirement: 20 human subjects passing each test.

Active Seal of Recommendation for sunscreen

• Minimum SPF: 50
• Water resistance substantiation required: 40 or 80 minutes.
• Minimum critical wavelength (UVA): 373 nm
• Minimum HRIPT and phototoxicity requirement: 20 human subjects passing each test.

Fabric 

• Minimum UPF: 50
• Hats: minimum 3-inch brim all around.
• Hats for babies and toddlers: minimum 2 ½-inch brim. 

Window Film, Window Tint, Glass and Lenses

• Minimum: 99 percent blockage of UVA and UVB radiation.

“After extensive research and discussion, we made the unanimous decision to implement new sun protection standards for products that earn the Seal of Recommendation,” says Steven Q. Wang, MD, Chair of The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee, in a news release. “The Committee’s recommendations are always grounded in real-world science. The updated standards we are proposing have been tested over time and have already been adopted by many in the industry. We are committed to staying up to date in our recommendations for the public and are confident that these changes not only will help educate the public but will guide them to choose products that, when used consistently and as directed, can help prevent skin cancer and save lives.”  The Skin Cancer Foundation has provided the industry-recognized Seal of Recommendation since 1981. For a product to qualify, companies submit third-party laboratory testing data that is reviewed by The Skin Cancer Foundation’s volunteer Photobiology Committee, made up of board-certified dermatologists. The Committee is chaired by Dr. Wang and members include Elizabeth Buzney, MD, Anna L. Chien, MD, Steven A. Nelson, MD, Elisabeth G. Richard, MD, and Jane Y. Yoo, MD. These doctors set the standards for the program and make medically reviewed recommendations for minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Critical Wavelength (CWL) standards for sunscreen; Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) for fabrics; and minimum UV-blockage recommendations for window film, window tint, glass, and lenses. “We are enormously grateful to the members of our Photobiology Committee, who generously donate their time to provide medically reviewed feedback regarding our Seal of Recommendation criteria,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Not only do they set the standards, but they personally review the third-party laboratory test results for the individual products in our program to ensure that they meet our established criteria. This is an invaluable resource for consumers who are seeking guidance on sun protection as skin cancer rates rise.”