From your name, I’m gonna assume you’re American as well.
The reason why it sucks both in my opinion (as well as clinically) is because the only “safe” broad spectrum sunscreens in the US that don’t rapidly degrade are titanium dioxide/zinc oxide. Those chemicals in chemical based sunscreens that make them have that distinct smell are more than 20 years old and are highly unstable chemicals that rapidly degrade as soon as they exposed to sunlight. The protection you get rapidly deteriorates, so reapplication is extra important and even then it’s not likely with those chemicals you get a full broad spectrum coverage. There’s two main wavelengths of UV that sunscreen has to target, UVB (rays that burn you) and UVA (rays that age you), both contribute to skin cancer. American chemical sunscreens only protect against so much UVA. The most effective sunscreen in the US right now is mineral based or mineral chemical mixed.
The sunscreen agents around the world, especially in Japan and Korea and Europe are the most effective and feel like light lotion with lower rates of irritation and higher UV protection. Australian and Kiwi sunscreens are the most heavy duty in the world with the highest regulation. But you can’t legally sell these sunscreens in the US, as they contain chemicals that have been stuck in the over the counter drug approval limbo for decades. You can technically import them, but it’s not really legal to and American stores aside from specific stores that import from Europe or Asia don’t sell them. People with extreme photosensitive conditions that live near Canada often go to Canada and buy tons of sunscreen just to ship it back to themselves.
It’s a mess. The bureaucratic hell isn’t moving either. As someone who’s not only at high risk of skin cancer but living with a photosensitive medical condition, it’s deeply infuriating.
For a list of sunscreen agents that clearly separate US and the worlds, check here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen
It sucks because it’s greasy and sticky lol. You can find some that are mattifying and quite comfortable but they’re more expensive
I was gonna suggest looking into importing asian or european sunscreens, but you might get just more pissed when you realize how much better they are
Way to miss the point.
“Why do you complain because you can’t afford to eat three meals a day? Food makes me fat.”
I see what you mean now. I think the parent poster is referring to the effectiveness of the American made sunscreen.
The Neutrogena ultra mist spray is really good. It goes on clear, isn’t greasy and the high SPF ones work exceptionally well. I’ve bought it in the US at a CVS before and didn’t have to get it over the counter…but maybe that’s only a thing in some states?
Over the counter doesn’t actually always refer literally to over the counter. I’d consider a non prescribed medical item purchased from a cvs as over the counter, even if you don’t have to ask a pharmacist for it
