Why doesn't the US have better sunscreen?
Summary
Charlotte Palomino discusses the U.S. sunscreen shortage caused by FDA regulations that classify sunscreens as drugs. The episode highlights the recent approval of the ingredient bemetrizone after decades of delay and political advocacy. Economist Alex Tabarrok argues the FDA is overly risk-averse, proposing "peer approval" to accept safety standards from other countries. This regulatory caution may inadvertently increase skin cancer rates by limiting access to effective products.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Charlotte Palomino and the US sunscreen problem
Show intro and sponsor messages
Skincare advice and low daily sunscreen usage stats
Advocacy efforts and the long FDA approval process
Legislative changes and approval of Bimetrizonol
Economic analysis of FDA risk aversion and peer approval
FDA response, new product plans, and show credits
Closing sponsor messages
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