Coppertone® Leads Improvements in Transparency and Trust in Sun Protection

Independent Assessment Shines Light on Sunscreen Testing, Quality, Packaging

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Apr 24, 2017, 09:01 ET

WHIPPANY, N.J., April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bayer, the maker of Coppertone, announced today that they commissioned an independent "assurance assessment," designed to provide consumers with greater confidence when choosing sunscreen. A sun care industry first, Bayer retained AccountAbility, a consulting and standards firm respected worldwide and relied upon by leading brands across several industries, to undertake an independent assurance assessment of Bayer's internal processes, systems, controls and performance guidelines for the labeling accuracy of 10 of its top-selling Coppertone products in the United States, and then make the report available to the public.

"Consumers are receiving information about sun protection from a variety of often contradictory sources, which is causing confusion. They want assurance that product performance claims are based on legitimate scientific testing," said Michael Tune, Vice President, Personal Care Development Center. "As a leader in the U.S. sun care industry, we wanted to utilize our long-standing leadership to meet the changing expectations of consumers by voluntarily conducting - and sharing - this independent assurance assessment."

Coppertone has a long history of leadership in scientifically proven and quality sun care products. In 1944, Coppertone introduced the first commercial sun care product to consumers in the U.S. In 1972, Coppertone developed and introduced its "Sun Protection Factor," or "SPF index," and was the first to label its products with an SPF designation to identify the strength of sun protection. The standard was later adopted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and eventually, the entire global sun care industry.

"Coppertone has continued its commitment to quality, excellence, innovation and truth in labeling, backed up by science, clinically relevant data and robust testing," said Eduardo Ruvolo, Director, U.S. & International Medical Affairs, Sun Care and Skin Care. "The results of the independent assurance assessment show that Coppertone products consistently and reliably provide the level of sun protection that our consumers expect, and trust us to deliver."

Bayer acquired Coppertone in 2014, and today, Coppertone's high quality sun care products meet the stringent demands, unyielding precision and focus on quality that have been the pillars of Bayer's business for more than 150 years.

Coppertone's exhaustive Safety and Efficacy testing program is based on:

Science and clinically relevant data
FDA requirements
Ongoing investment in comprehensive testing programs that go beyond what is required by the FDA, such as real-world use studies involving outdoor recreational activity including swimming in a pool
Evaluating safety and efficacy, including for SPF and broad spectrum (protection from both UVA and UVB rays), by independent investigators, dermatologists, pediatricians and scientists
Numerous global standards for SPF and UVA protection

Coppertone Lets the Sun Shine in on Production and Testing
Bayer gave the external assurance provider access to the facilities, records and people necessary to conduct its assessment, including:

Processes, systems, controls, performance data, principles and internal guidelines
Testing and performance guidelines developed and enforced in accordance with U.S. regulations
Quality assurance processes and systems developed and enforced for packaging and labeling
Bayer's processes, controls and performance guidelines used to manage their suppliers
10 different products, including lotions, sprays, sticks and its new "Whipped" sunscreens

The independent assurance assessment concluded that the Bayer's products comply with internal and all applicable external guidelines to ensure the labeling accuracy of Coppertone products, accurately test and implement quality assurance procedures, and are found to comply with quality, safety and efficacy requirements.

In an industry first, Bayer is making the report available to the public. To read the full report, click here.

For more information on the exciting new products from Coppertone, visit www.coppertone.com.

Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 115,200 people and had sales of EUR 46.8 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.7 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

SOURCE Bayer