Information Update - Health Canada releases sunscreen testing results

OTTAWA, June 28, 2018 /CNW/ - 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:

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.

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.

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SOURCE Health Canada