WHO gives sunscreen the green light as essential medicine to combat skin cancer
The addition emphasizes the need for universal access to medically necessary sunscreen, particularly for vulnerable populations such as persons with albinism, and sets a precedent for national health authorities to prioritize this preventive intervention.
SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially added sunscreen, specifically SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) as of September 2025.
This marks a significant shift in the classification of sunscreen, from being regarded as a cosmetic to being now recognized as a critical preventive medicine essential for global health.
This move, initially proposed in 2022 and rejected in 2023, was resubmitted in late 2024, approved in May 2025, and officially published in September.
The inclusion acknowledges the vital role of sunscreen in reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation-related diseases, such as skin cancer, which remains a significant public health concern worldwide.
The listing of sunscreen as an essential medicine follows a multi-year application process led by the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, supported by advocacy groups including the Global Albinism Alliance, the Pierre Fabre Foundation, Beyond Suncare, and other partners.
The push for inclusion emerged primarily out of concern for high-risk populations, particularly persons with albinism, who have a genetic lack of melanin pigment making them highly vulnerable to harmful UV exposure.
The WHO’s classification recognizes that sunscreen is not a luxury but a life-saving intervention, particularly in regions with high solar intensity such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where access has traditionally been limited.
Adding sunscreen to the EML sends a strong message to governments worldwide that this product should be made widely accessible and affordable as part of their national health systems, akin to other vital medicines for infectious and chronic diseases.
The evidence submitted in the application demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of sunscreen by preventing costly and life-threatening conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and photoaging.
The application also addressed earlier WHO concerns about ingredient safety and public distribution logistics, which had led to the removal of UV-blocking agents from the EML in 2005.
Now, evolving evidence and advocacy have reversed this stance, confirming the public health importance of topical sun protection agents.
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