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  • GRASE sunscreens

    Posted by Shams on June 12, 2020 at 3:44 am

    Hi all i do have a question about FDA registration of sunscreens. If i have a moisturizer with SPF, I use only zinc oxide at 21%, i am not using any colorants nor any prohibited substances that FDA list. If I am to sell this product in US , do i have to list and register it? It follows the OTC sunscreen monograph and is considered as GRASE, what does this mean? can i sell it as cosmetic or it has to be OTC? If OTC, do i have to list the drug and my establishment as well, do i still need an FDA premarket approval?
    Can anyone help please
    Thanks in advance

    Shams replied 4 years, 6 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    June 12, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    @Shams

    Yes, sunscreens are regulated as OTC drug products in the US.  Your product must be registered with the FDA and must be manufactured in an FDA OTC-certified facility.  

    GRASE means Generally Regarded As Safe & Effective.  If ZnO is the only sunscreen active ingredient in your formula, it should be GRASE and an OTC drug product.  GRASE is a kind of nebulously defined term, but basically boils down to your product is safe for human use.

    No, you cannot sell your product as a cosmetic since it contains an OTC Monograph active ingredient … at 21% ZnO, you are near the maximum allowed concentration of 25% ZnO.

    There is not FDA pre-market approval for OTC drug products.  You do need to register the product, have it manufactured by an OTC-certified CM and follow the labeling requirements.

    Yes, you do need to list:  Active Ingredient:  ZnO 21%

    Inactive Ingredients: … 

  • Shams

    Member
    June 16, 2020 at 12:02 am

    Great Thanks @MarkBroussard. That clarifies it all. 

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