[Changes in sunscreening products in West Germany between 1988 and 1989/90]

We give a comparative survey of preparations absorbing UV light, based on data collected in 1988 (740 products) and in 1989/90 (988 products). Regarding the ingredients and the way of labelling of these preparations, our study yielded the following results: 1. With regard to the labelling of all ingredients according to CTFA, the number of sunscreen products increased from 11% in 1988 to 21% in 1989/90, that of cosmetics containing light filters from 26% to 28%. 2. Since, during the period studied, the ingredients of 50% of the preparations were changed, we call for the obligation to make a declaration. 3. Only 14 out of 42 UV filters registered in Europe are used in more than 1% of the preparations. In sunscreen products, UV-A filters increased from 51% to 61%, whereas in cosmetics, they decreased from 46% to 37%. In the 1990 list, the UV-B filters most frequently found in sunscreen products were cinnamates (70%), those least common were PABA and PABA derivatives (19%). 4. Since hazardous UV filters, such as 4-isopropyl-dibenzol methane and 3-(4-methyl-benzylidene) camphor, were eliminated from some of the preparations, the prevalences of individual filter substances have changed between 1988 and 1989/90. 5. Only those UV filters that are currently in use should be checked in the photopatch test. 6. Close cooperation between physicians and manufacturers resulted in making products absorbing UV light safer.