The Filter Gap, Visualized: A Side-by-Side World Map
Which UV filters are legal where — at a glance.
At least 8 sun-filtering chemicals used in the EU have waited years for U.S. approval.
Japan classifies most high-SPF sunscreens as quasi-drugs requiring pre-market approval.
Frequently asked questions
Why are European and Asian sunscreens different from American ones?
The US regulates sunscreens as OTC drugs, so adding a filter requires drug-level safety data and FDA approval — a slow process that stalled for decades. The EU, Japan and Korea treat them as cosmetics or quasi-drugs and approve modern filters faster, which is why foreign formulas often feel lighter and cover more of the UVA range.
Why can't I buy some foreign sunscreens in the US?
Sunscreens sold in the US may use only FDA-approved filters and must meet OTC-drug rules, so a foreign product containing filters the FDA hasn't cleared (e.g., Tinosorb M or Uvinul filters) can't be legally marketed as sunscreen here. You may see them sold abroad or, unreliably, via personal import.
What does PA++++ mean on a sunscreen?
PA is the 'Protection Grade of UVA,' a rating developed in Japan and used across Asia, based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) test. It runs from PA+ (some UVA protection) to PA++++ (extremely high). It complements SPF, which reflects only UVB protection.
r/SkincareScience: 'What does PA++++ actually mean?'
Sources & citations
- EWG Sunscreen Guide (Environmental Working Group), ewg.org/sunscreen
- cosmetic.chemlinked.com ↗