CVS Health is taking another step forward in advancing its efforts to remove chemicals of consumer concern by eliminating oxybenzone and octinoxate from nearly 60 CVS Health private brand sunscreen products under SPF 50 by the end of 2020.

The decision is the latest advancement in the retailer’s chemical management strategy and builds on the 2017 commitment to remove parabens, phthalates and the most prevalent formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from CVS Health private brand beauty and personal care items, which is on track to be completed by the end of this year.

By the end of 2020, CVS Health private brand sunscreens under SPF 50 will no longer contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which comes ahead of the regulatory scheduled requirements in Hawaii and Florida to eliminate these ingredients, being put in place to minimize impact on marine ecosystems.

George Coleman, SVP of merchandising at CVS Health

At this time, some form of oxybenzone and octinoxate are still needed in CVS Health sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and above to be most effective for customers who require this strength of protection. SPF 50+ sunscreens will be available outside of Hawaii and Florida but removed from shelves in those particular markets to comply with regulations.

“As a leading health & beauty destination, CVS Pharmacy is highly attuned to our customers evolving needs and their desire for products that are more sustainable while still being efficacious,” said George Coleman, SVP of merchandising at CVS Health. “We are committed to continuing to monitor the ingredients in the products we carry and to ensure our consumers have access to a wide range of free-from products that deliver quality and value while also meeting their lifestyle preferences.”

CVS Health has made significant changes to the products they offer with the health of its customers in mind, such as ending the sale of tobacco products, eliminating skincare items with an SPF below 15, providing a greater variety of healthier food options and most recently announcing all vitamins and supplements sold in-store and online are required to be third-party tested to confirm the accuracy of the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel and to confirm products are free from ingredients of concern and contaminants.