The draft suggests that products containing the ingredient should also carry a label warning of sunburn risk.The FDA is recommending that the labelling of a cosmetic product using AHAs that is topically applied to mucous membrane should bear a label containing information that the ingredient is present in the product and that this increases sensitivity of the skin and the risk of sunburn.
The label should also advise that a sunscreen be warn in conjunction with such cosmetic products and that sun exposure should be limited for at least a week after use.
Alpha hydroxyl acids are organic acids, which are mainly present in glycolic and lactic acids. The FDA has been reviewing the safety of topically applied AHAs since 1994, during which time it has undertaken human clinical studies to ascertain the short-term effects under UV exposure.
The results of the study found that UV exposure to skin treated with AHAs led to increased skin sensitivity and burning as well the possibility of a number of other harmful reactions. The FDA says that other side affects are still being investigated.
AHAs appears in a complete spectrum of cosmetic products, from skin care to hair care and oral care. For this reason the FDA also points out that in some incidences AHAs risks are hard to assess particularly in products used on boday areas not readily exposed to the sun, such as shampoos and deodorants. The FDA says its guidance should equally be considered for such applications, even though risk is minimal.
On the other hand, products that contain AHAs where sun exposure is not a problem, such as mouthwashes, douches, and breath freshners are not subject to the guide lines.