A widely-used sunscreen product from a cosmetics company has been prohibited from sale in the UK after receiving a high risk classification.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards confirmed the item was turned away at the British border.
The Bubble Cosmetics Sunscreen Pack was recently assigned a high risk rating by the OPSS.
The OPSS stated the sunscreen presented a danger because of insufficient labelling and traceability information.
A post shared by Bubble on social media detailed the issue.
What caused the Bubble Cosmetics Sunscreen Pack to be banned from the UK?
Regarding the sunscreen, the OPSS explained that the product posed a risk due to inadequate labelling and traceability information. Multiple required cosmetic labelling standards had not been satisfied, with gaps in sunscreen usage instructions and product traceability. As a consequence, shoppers might lack adequate information for proper product use, and effective regulatory tracking is compromised. The product fails to comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, known as the Cosmetics Regulation.
The sunscreen was initially dispatched from the United States.
Bubble Cosmetics is available through both Boots and ASOS.
The rejected items consist of a selection of sunscreens presented in yellow cardboard boxes.
Bubble has been approached for a response.
Guidance on identifying safe sunscreen
Just because a sunscreen is available in shops does not guarantee it represents the most secure choice.
The NHS has published guidance on verifying sunscreen safety.
The advice indicates that the label should always be examined prior to purchasing a sunscreen.
The label must display a sun protection factor of at least 30 to guard against UVB radiation and provide a minimum of four-star UVA protection.
The UVA protection rating may be shown by the letters UVA enclosed in a circle, demonstrating compliance with EU requirements.
Old sunscreens should be inspected to confirm they have not exceeded their use-by date.
The expiration date is indicated by an open jar symbol accompanied by an M and a numeral, specifying the number of months the sunscreen remains effective after opening.
The NHS also advises against depending solely on sunscreen for protection.
Suitable clothing should be worn and time spent in shaded areas when sunlight is most intense is recommended.