Supergoop! Gets an FDA Warning
Werlcome to the “Dessert Topping” Sunscreen Drama
Well, this is unexpected.
Supergoop!, the viral sunscreen company that is a bestseller at Sephora, Ulta, and Blue Mercury, has just received a warning from the FDA. 😮
Supergoop!, along with several other popular SPF brands, received warning letters from the FDA after the agency raised serious concerns, specifically about mousse-style sunscreen products. You know, those whipped, cloud-like sunscreens that look like a dessert topping – apparently, that’s a big part of the problem.
So, What's the Problem?
The FDA is warning that these mousse-like aerrated sunscreens "might not be as effective" at protecting us from harmful UV radiation as they claim. They’re questioning whether the novel Reddi-Whip style sunscreens might not be doing their job correctly.
Specifically, Supergoop!'s "Play SPF 50 Body Mousse" was flagged for lacking proper FDA approval and violating marketing regulations.
Why do they need FDA approval?
All SPF products made in the US are technically classified as a drug due to claims that they prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. So you cannot sell an SPF product unless it has received the required FDA approval for over-the-counter (OTC) drug products.
The Packaging Problem
Here's where things get weird: the FDA is also concerned that these products are packaged to resemble aerosol whipped cream containers, which could lead people to consume them accidentally. We've all joked about how some cosmetic products smell good enough to eat, but this takes it to a whole new level.
The agency specifically called out these products as being "misbranded" because their food-like packaging could "mislead consumers into mistaking the products for food" – especially concerning when these products are around kids.
Other Brands in Hot Water
Supergoop isn't alone in this mess…
Vacation Inc. (the brand that literally calls their products "dessert for your skin"), Kalani Sunwear, Botao Baby, and Tizo Skin all received similar warning letters. Vacation's "Classic Whip Sunscreen" (pictured above) is right up front with Supergoop! thanks to their dessert-themed marketing.
What Happens Now?
The companies have 15 days to address the violations identified by the FDA. Supergoop told CBS MoneyWatch they're committed to "the highest standards of product efficacy and safety" and are working to resolve what they called a "product labeling" matter. Meanwhile, Kalani Sunwear has already temporarily pulled its mousse sunscreen from its U.S. website "to ensure full compliance with the regulations.”
The Bottom Line
Look, nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news about your favorite cosmetic products, but UVA/UVB protection is a significant health issue. If you've been relying on these whipped mousse sunscreens as your primary sun protection, you may want to consider switching to a traditional sunscreen while these brands resolve their issues with the FDA.
#MyTwoCents
Make sure to wear FDA-approved UVA/UVB protection every day, even when it’s overcast. And if you spend a lot ot time outdoors, reapply sunscreen throughout the day.