U.S. Virgin Islands sunscreen law
The USVI bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. Importing them for sale has been illegal since September 30, 2019. Since March 30, 2020 it has also been illegal to sell, distribute, use or possess them in the territory. The only exception is a prescription product supplied through a licensed pharmacy or drug store.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Act No. 8185 (Bill 33-0043, 2019), 27 V.I.C. § 305h
Banned ingredients
| Ingredient | Also called | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oxybenzone | benzophenone-3, benzophenone 3 | UV filter |
| Octinoxate | ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl methoxycinnamate | UV filter |
| Octocrylene | 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, octocrilene | UV filter |
The details
- Import for sale was banned after September 30, 2019. Selling, offering for sale and distributing were banned after March 30, 2020, as were using or possessing the products while in the Virgin Islands.
- Placing new orders for such products for sale in the territory became unlawful when the Act took effect (signed July 2019). Existing stock had to go to the Waste Management Authority's hazardous-waste collection by March 30, 2020.
- Exception: products prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and imported, distributed and sold by a licensed pharmacy or drug store (27 V.I.C. § 141).
- Scope: 'sunscreen' means products marketed or intended for topical use to prevent sunburn, such as lotions, pastes, balms, serums and ointments. Products marketed as facial cosmetics are excluded.
- Penalties: after notice and a hearing, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs fines $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for each later offense.
- The Act's long title mentions only oxybenzone and octinoxate, but the operative text of § 305h bans all three chemicals, octocrylene included.
- Passed June 25, 2019 and signed by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. in July 2019. The signed copy we used is hosted by Island Green Living; no later amendment was found.
History
- March 30, 2020 · Took effect Sunscreen rule took effect.
We last re-read this law’s sources on October 14, 2026. All law updates →
Sunscreens allowed in U.S. Virgin Islands
403 of 988 products we track pass; 584 don’t.Browse all 403 →
Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
SPF 30 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
By brand
Common questions
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in U.S. Virgin Islands?
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene.
When did the U.S. Virgin Islands sunscreen rule take effect?
March 30, 2020.
Which sunscreens are allowed in U.S. Virgin Islands?
Of the 988 products we track, 403 meet the U.S. Virgin Islands rule. The simplest choice is a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.