Summer is fun. Sunscreen is no fun. Remembering to apply it and ending up with white streaks, shiny skin, breakouts or uneven burns is a pain. Then having to reapply after you’ve been in the water or sweating in the sun for a while is another burden. With all the annoyances, it’s no wonder that despite all the benefits of sunscreen (preventing wrinkles, spots, skin cancer, etc.), people still aren’t wearing it. And companies know that people aren’t wearing it. So they have come up with some creative solutions including oral treatments for sun damage prevention. But delicious gummies aren’t really sunscreen.

Part of the problem is that the FDA hasn’t allowed new sunscreen ingredients to be introduced to products in decades. So formulas for sunscreen in the states remain streaky, gooey, unpleasant messes. By contrast, other countries have developed new formulas that won’t have sunscreen running into your eyes or leaving white marks on your face and body. But just because sunscreen formulas are unpleasant and difficult doesn’t mean that using alternative products are better.

The FDA has issued warnings to companies that make “alternative sunscreen” products like supplements and gummies. Dermatologists say that while these products may offer some benefits, it is far from the minimum 30 SPF recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Foundation.

To work around the problem of sunscreen’s unpleasant texture, some companies have created drops to be added to moisturizer. But given that a nickel sized dollop of sunscreen is required for full protection on your face, a single drop diluted by other product is unlikely to provide adequate coverage.

Having full SPF and coverage is important because studies have shown that if you think you are protected, you are less likely to seek shade or cover and more likely to burn.

Until the FDA starts approving new formulas, stock up on sunscreen when overseas or just learn to deal with the American stuff.

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