Be Safe in the Sun: Seek the Seal!

With skin cancer cases on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun.

With skin cancer on the rise, The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation provides people everywhere with expert guidance on safe, effective protection against the two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that have been directly linked to skin cancer: UVA and UVB.

Skin cancer is not going away anytime soon. In fact, a 2025 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the most common types of skin cancer continue to rise alarmingly, especially among those over 65, and especially (guys, listen up!) in men. Prevention can make a difference over time, and daily sun protection has never been more vital.

That’s where our Seal of Recommendation comes in. Since it was created in 1981, the Seal has grown into a widely recognized and trusted symbol of safe and effective sun protection that has helped millions of people worldwide make educated decisions about their skin health. From major department stores to boutique sunglass shops, today you can spot our Seal of Recommendation anywhere sun protection products are sold.

And because no single method of sun protection can completely safeguard your skin, you’ll find our Seal on all categories of products, including UV-protective fabric, window film for home and window tint for cars, lenses and, of course, sunscreen.

For your best defense against skin cancer, we encourage you to adopt a complete sun protection strategy, using options that work best for your risk level and lifestyle. It’s personal!

How a Product Earns the Seal of Recommendation

To earn the Seal of Recommendation, eligible companies must submit an application for each product, along with third-party laboratory testing data.

Our Photobiology Committee (a group of volunteer dermatologists with expertise in the effects of UV light on skin) sets the standards for products in the program. They review each product application and the testing data to confirm the product meets the Foundation’s criteria for safe and effective sun protection.

Once a product earns the Seal of Recommendation, it is added to the list of more than 800 recommended products on our interactive Sun Protection Product Finder, a tool that guides you through a series of prompts to help you find the sun protection options that are right for you. Find it here on our website at SkinCancer.org/products.

Seek the Seal: Upgraded Standards to Maximize Sun Protection

In response to rising rates of skin cancer, our Photobiology Committee made the unanimous decision to implement new sun protection standards for products that earn the Seal of Recommendation. These new standards took effect on May 1, 2025.

The goal is to educate and guide people to choose products that, when used consistently and as directed, can help prevent skin cancer and save lives.

What this means for you: Based on the latest science, these changes raise the bar for the minimum standards of recommended sun protection for your skin, so you can continue to have (protected) fun in the sun!

 

When you choose a product with the Seal of Recommendation, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’re choosing the highest standard of sun protection. See for yourself! View our Recommended Products.

Related content:

Seal of Recommendation
The Science Behind the Seal: What Safe, Effective Sun Protection Means
Recommended Products
Your Daily Sun Protection Guide
Skin Cancer Prevention PDF – free download