'Beware' Mousse-Based Sunscreen, FDA Warns

Newsweek

6 hours ago

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While some sunscreens may look more appealing than others, the jury is now out on whether certain types do what they say on the bottle.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to "beware" sunscreen products that come in mousse form because they might not be effective.
The federal agency has sent warning letters to five companies marketing sunscreen products in mousse-style—including brands Supergoop!, Vacation Inc., Kalani Sunwear, Botao Baby and Tizo Skin—and citing efficacy concerns, regulatory violations and packaging risks.
Some companies are already pulling products from their U.S. sites, such as Kalani Sunwear.
Woman applying sunscreen on man's face outdoors.
Woman applying sunscreen on man's face outdoors.
JordiThe FDA's letter to Supergoop!, for example, reads in part: "This letter is to advise you that on May 2nd, 2025 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed your product labeling, including your website, http://supergoop.com/, where your 'Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50 BODY MOUSSE' drug product is available for purchase in the United States without a prescription."
It said that based on their labeling—e.g. "Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50" and "Helps prevent sunburn..."—it is intended for use as an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen drug product, but no FDA-approved relevant application is in effect for this.
On X, the FDA also warned: "Some mousse sunscreen products resemble whipped cream containers and may put consumers at risk if ingested."
Beware of sunscreen products in mousse form because they might not be effective. The FDA issued five warning letters to companies marketing sunscreen products in mousse form: https://t.co/z0kHZqULna pic.twitter.com/xZPtgqWQqE — FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) August 12, 2025
In light of this, Newsweek spoke to dermatologist professor Adam Friedman of the George Washington University about what the FDA warning means for Americans' sunscreen routines and how to choose safe and effective protection.
"Sunscreens are OTC drugs, which distinguishes them from a moisturizer or a cosmeceutical. It means the regulation, the expectation in terms of efficacy, how well it works and safety is going to be different," Friedman explained.
"But also what it relates to is not just the active ingredient, but the formulation—and that's where the whole mess comes in.
"As of right now, under the 'monograph'—the umbrella of what is considered a sunscreen—oils, creams, lotions, gels, butters, pastes, ointments, powders, sprays and sticks fall under the category. Mousses and foams do not."
Efficacy and safety are then a separate issue.
"A mousse or a foam are aerated, and therefore how they interface with the skin when you rub them on may be very different from a cream or a spray or a stick," said Friedman.
"We don't know if, based on that formulation, your UV filters—whether mineral or chemical—are going to behave the same way in the approved formulations. We can't guarantee that these mousse formulation sunscreens will actually work, let alone guarantee their safety."
While Friedman said it is "concerning" some brands have not followed the correct process he hopes they were "trying to provide more options to hopefully ensure everyone is using a sun protection product".
Smiling woman applying sunscreen on her face while looking in mirror in her bathroom.
Smiling woman applying sunscreen on her face while looking in mirror in her bathroom.
Ridofranz/Getty Images
When deciding how to pick out the best sunscreen, Friedman advises going with the path of least risk.
"That's going to be the sunscreens that do follow the monograph," he urged.
"I tend to also say, go with the larger brand companies, because they have the size, wherewithal and resources to actually study their products. Not just ensure they meet FDA guidelines, but they'll do clinical studies to look at tolerability, cosmesis [preservation of appearance] and even the effect of these sunscreens on other things.
"We use sunscreen not just to protect against skin cancer, but also accelerated skin aging and skin discoloration."
Friedman said finding one that's right for you is still important. "Take these tried and true brands and do patch testing to see A) does your skin tolerate it and B) does it rub in well so you're not walking around with a white or purple cast. Samples from the dermatology office are so helpful."
He recommends wearing at least an SPF 30 or higher each day.
"I tend to say 50, not because there's such a huge delta between 30 and 50—and you will never 100 percent block UV radiation—but because these numbers are based on the FDA approach to measuring efficacy," Friedman said.
While it's based on a set concentration of two milligrams of sunscreen per centimeter square of skin, most people don't put that much on.
"The higher SPFs are good because it takes into account human error," he added. "With how much people are actually applying, a 70 ends up being a 40 and a 50 ends up being 30.
"So in an ideal world: SPF, 30, maybe 50, broad spectrum, water resistant to 80 minutes. Then it's about what plays nice on your skin."
Friedman himself wears sunscreen all year round, even in winter. "Every day to exposed areas. Do you brush your teeth every day? Sunscreen is the brushing the teeth of the skin. We brush our teeth to protect the integrity and health of our teeth. Applying sunscreen is the exact same thing."
He also emphasized sunscreen is just one protection factor that should be used alongside wearing hats, sunglasses, the right clothing, seeking shade during peak hours and being fully aware. This includes knowing that windows won't block out UVA (while this will less likely cause burning, it can increase the risk of accelerated skin aging because it penetrates deeper).
Supergoop! told Newsweek: "At Supergoop! we remain committed to innovation in sun care and the highest standards of product efficacy and safety. The recent communication from the FDA regarding our PLAY SPF 50 Body Mousse is focused on product labeling and has nothing to do with its safety, effectiveness, or formula. We are working closely with the FDA to resolve this matter as we continue to uphold the high standards our consumers expect from us."
Vacation Inc told Newsweek: "At Vacation Sunscreen, we take regulatory compliance seriously and appreciate the opportunity to address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent Warning Letter. We have full confidence in the safety, efficacy, and integrity of our product. We are committed to working collaboratively with the FDA to satisfactorily resolve this matter."
Kalani Sunwear told Newsweek:"Kalani Sunwear acknowledges receipt of the FDA letter and has voluntarily paused sales in the U.S. while we review the administrative requirements. Importantly, the letter relates to regulatory classification only—not to the safety or efficacy of our SPF 50 mousse. Our formula is manufactured in Sweden, independently tested to EU standards, and uses advanced UV filters that are not yet approved in the U.S. (the FDA has not approved a new UV filter since 1999). We remain fully compliant with European regulations and stand by the quality and effectiveness of our product."
Newsweek has also reached out to Botao Baby, Tizo Skin and the FDA for comment.
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