Background
Broad-spectrum sunscreen was added to the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines in 2025 for the prevention of skin cancer in people with albinism, a population at significantly elevated risk of UV-induced skin damage and skin cancers. The WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines recommended that therapeutic* broad-spectrum sunscreens should contain proven active ingredients in appropriate amounts to absorb or filter UVA and UVB radiation and have a high sun protection factor (SPF). However, at the time of listing, specific formulation characteristics – such as active ingredients and their concentrations, optimal SPF range, protection against UVA and UVB radiation, and appropriate pharmaceutical forms – could not be defined due to insufficient standardized evidence.
In recognition of the wide variation in commercially available sunscreens, defining the formulation characteristics will support countries in selecting optimal sunscreen formulations for inclusion on national essential medicines lists and will help to guide public procurement.
To advance this work, WHO is now calling for contributions from relevant stakeholders to help define optimal formulation characteristics for therapeutic broad-spectrum sunscreen for people with albinism and to identify optimal formulation(s) for potential inclusion on the WHO Model Lists. The ideal formulation should be:
- Scientifically validated (effective UVA/UVB protection)
- Safe (minimal toxicity)
- Widely accessible
- Supplied in reliable, quality‑assured formulations
- Cost-effective and affordable (essential medicines must offer comparative cost‑effectiveness, and sunscreens intended for wide population use should provide meaningful UV protection at a price that is sustainable for both individuals and health systems, in line with WHO’s emphasis on selecting medicines that deliver strong value relative to alternatives)
* for this purpose 'therapeutic' sunscreens are differentiated from 'cosmetic' sunscreens insofar as they prioritize UV protection characteristics over cosmetic or aesthetic characteristics.
Who should contribute
- Dermatologists and photobiology experts
- Researchers in UV exposure, skin cancer prevention, or product stability
- Pharmaceutical and formulation scientists
- Regulatory authorities
- Manufacturers of sunscreens and UV-protective products
- Public health agencies and procurement bodies
- NGOs and advocacy groups working with persons with albinism
- Community representatives and organizations of persons with albinism
- Other relevant stakeholders
Areas where input is invited
- Evidence on the effectiveness and safety of active UV-filtering active ingredients (organic and inorganic)
- Minimum SPF and UVA/UVB protection requirements
- Stability and durability in high-UV, high-temperature, and high-humidity environments
- Safety considerations for long‑term, high‑frequency use in both children and adults
- Pharmaceutical forms (e.g., cream, lotion, stick)
- Packaging, volume, and usability for routine application
- Acceptability, usability, and cultural considerations
- Cost, feasibility, and implications for large scale procurement
- Retail price
- Regulatory perspectives on therapeutic sunscreen
Types of contributions welcome
- Published or unpublished research
- Dossier presented to regulatory agencies or other authorities (e.g. ministry of health)
- Programmatic or field experience
- Regulatory guidance or technical standards
- National procurement specifications
- Expert opinion supported by rationale
- Community level insights on usability and acceptability
How to participate
Contributions should be submitted using the designated submission form. Information submitted will be stored in accordance with WHO rules and policies and be used exclusively for the purpose for which it was provided.
All submissions will be reviewed for suitability to inform the determination of formulation characteristics for therapeutic broad-spectrum sunscreen for people with albinism on the WHO Essential Medicines Lists.