H. Holovashchenko¹, O. Havrylyuk², A Kalashnikov¹

¹ L.I. Medved’s Research Centre of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety, Ministry of Healthcare, Ukraine (State Enterprise), Kyiv, Ukraine

² Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

ABSTRACT. The increasing incidence of skin cancer is prompting health professionals to encourage the population to use sun protection products. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) as an indicator is the main criterion for choosing the necessary level of protection under the insolation conditions. International recommendations approve the use of preparations with high sun protection factor indices (SPF products), but in practice, frequent cases of inaccurate information by manufacturers of cosmetics have been registered.

Aim. To enhance the effectiveness and safety of sun protection products use by developing recommendations based on an analysis of the Ukrainian market of SPF products.

Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of research articles from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus databases were performed; open sources data which characterize the cosmetology market of Ukraine were analysed; methods of systematic and comparative analysis were applied.

Results. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors that cause the development of oncoproliferative skin diseases in humans, which makes skin cancer a common oncological pathology among the population, and in the case of melanoma it is generally the main trigger factor. The appearance and development of these diseases can be prevented by using sun protection products. Primary skin cancer prevention corresponds to the strategies of leading medical organizations, which confirm the need to use SPF products with high protection factors (high SPF index). At the same time, cosmetic sun protection products, even with the same SPF value, demonstrate different performance indicators under insolation conditions.

Conclusion. Ultraviolet radiation is a major factor in the development of melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The use of sun protection products reduces the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is recommended by international medical organizations. Nowadays, their use is gaining popularity among the population; however, the need to control them at the legislative level has to be addressed.

Keywords: sun protection products, SPF, SPF products, ultraviolet radiation, sunscreen filters.

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Received November, 26, 2025

Review dates March, 2, 2026; March, 9, 2026

Publication date June, 12, 2026