2025 Journal Makes the Case: Newer UV Filters Could Improve US Health
A peer-reviewed 2025 paper spells out exactly which next-generation filters Americans are missing and the photoprotection gap it leaves on their skin.
The August 8, 2025 paper by Turner and Torgerson (DOI 10.1111/phpp.70032) reports US skin cancer incidence tripled since 1975, from 8.8 to 27.3 per 100,000, and that many products deliver 42-59% less UVA protection than labeled, citing filters such as bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole, and drometrizole trisiloxane that are available abroad.
The dermatology authors argue that the US filter lineup has not kept pace with Europe and Asia, contending that approving newer broad-spectrum filters could close a measurable UVA protection gap and support skin cancer prevention.
Questions we get a lot
Which newer UV filters are available abroad but not in US sunscreens?
The 2025 paper highlights filters such as bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole, and drometrizole trisiloxane, which are used in Europe and Asia but not approved for US sunscreens. The authors argue these broad-spectrum filters could improve protection, particularly against UVA. They frame the US lineup as lagging behind other markets.
How big is the UVA protection gap the paper describes?
The authors cite evidence that many sunscreens deliver 42-59% less UVA protection than their labels suggest. They tie this gap to the limited filter options available in the US and to skin cancer incidence that roughly tripled since 1975, from 8.8 to 27.3 per 100,000. UVA is the wavelength most linked to photoaging and contributes to skin cancer risk.
Does this mean US sunscreens don't work?
No. US sunscreens that are broad-spectrum and used correctly still protect against sun damage. The paper's argument is that newer filters could raise the ceiling, especially for UVA, not that current products are useless. Applying enough sunscreen and reapplying remains the most important factor for real-world protection.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Everyone says European and Korean sunscreens are better. Is there actual published research saying US filters are behind, or is it just vibes?'