Asian sunscreens are all the rage, so why can’t you buy them in Canada? – CBC

Health Canada says it has no plans to update sunscreen monographs to include ingredients in Asian sunscreens

Sep 10, 2024

Nancy Le, 25, has been using facial sunscreens since she was a teenager. But unlike people who buy sunscreen from stores, the Vancouver nursing student is one of many who use online retailers.

That’s because the sunscreen she uses, which is made in Asia, contains ingredients that aren’t approved by Health Canada.

“The other sunscreens that I tend to like that are available here in Canada, they tend to be a little bit more expensive. So I find even drugstore brands … it’s going to be at least $30,” she said.

These days, she uses a Korean-based brand that works as a moisturizer and sunscreen.

“When it’s on sale, it costs me $10 a bottle,” Le said. “And with sunscreen, you are recommended to reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re in the sun. And with the amount that you’re using, it can really add up.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/asian-sunscreens-canada-1.7317656