In this podcast episode, Wagma Amini, president of Eurofins Cosmetic & Personal Care Canada, and managing editor of Cosmetics & Toiletries, Emily Little, explore the complexities of testing and regulatory compliance for sunscreen products, focusing on their classification as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in North America versus cosmetics in other regions.
The conversation covers critical testing requirements—including stability, efficacy and microbiological quality—and highlights the historic FDA approval of BMT, the first new sunscreen active ingredient allowed in the US since the 1990s. Additionally, the discussion touches on realistic product development timelines, the application of USP monographs, the impact of MoCRA regulations on cosmetic and OTC manufacturers, and key strategic advice for brands looking to formulate with new UV filters.