- Sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, which has historically allowed schools to require a doctor's note for students to use it.
- 30 states and the District of Columbia (31 jurisdictions) allow students to bring and apply sunscreen at school without a doctor's note as of early 2026, thanks to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association's SUNucate initiative.
- 18 states still require medical documentation, leaving children at risk of unprotected UV exposure during recess, PE, and outdoor activities.
- 2 states (Alaska and Hawaii) have no formal legislation but informally allow students to use sunscreen at school.
- One blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma; five or more sunburns before age 20 increases melanoma risk by 80%.
- UPF 50+ clothing offers all-day UV protection without reapplication, making it a strong complement to sunscreen for kids at school, especially in restricted states.
When it comes to protecting children from harmful UV rays, sun protection is essential. However, many parents are surprised to learn that in several states across the U.S., students are prohibited from bringing sunscreen to school or applying it without a physician's note and a trip to the nurse's office. This regulation stems from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) classification of sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, putting it in the same category as medications like aspirin.
Fortunately, states are starting to address this issue through the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association's SUNucate initiative. For example, New Jersey recently passed SUNucate legislation allowing students to use sunscreen at school without needing a doctor's note, joining a growing list of other states in removing barriers to sun protection.
Why Sunscreen Is Classified as a Drug by the FDA
Sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) drug because the FDA classifies it as a drug intended to prevent disease, specifically skin cancer, by protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This classification means that sunscreen must meet specific safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA, even though it can be purchased without a prescription. In contrast, some other countries regulate sunscreen as a cosmetic product.
A Growing Number of States Allowing Sunscreen in Schools
Thankfully, the number of U.S. states with school sunscreen laws that override these outdated restrictions has increased substantially. At least 30 states and the District of Columbia (31 jurisdictions) now have legislation allowing students to bring and self-apply sunscreen at school without a doctor's note. In these places, students no longer need to make a trip to the nurse's office to stay protected from harmful UV rays. This reform acknowledges that sunscreen is a vital tool for reducing sun damage in children.
States with sunscreen legislation reform include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The District of Columbia also allows students to use sunscreen freely.
Interestingly, Alaska and Hawaii have no formal legislation regarding sunscreen in schools, though both states permit students to use sunscreen.
On the other hand, the 18 states requiring doctor's notes include Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In these states, children may also need to visit the school nurse to apply sunscreen during school hours, making it more challenging to ensure protection during outdoor activities.
The Impact of Childhood Sunburns
Restricting access to sun protection at school can have lasting consequences for children's skin health. Without adequate protection, children face the risk of unprotected UV exposure during school hours. Activities like recess, physical education, and after-school sports leave students vulnerable to harmful UV rays for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of long-term skin damage.
To help mitigate this, parents are encouraged to make it a habit to check the UV Index each morning before sending their children to school. Knowing the day's UV levels allows parents to better prepare their kids with the right sun protection, whether that's applying sunscreen or wearing UPF clothing.
Why is this issue so important? The effects of sun exposure during childhood can have long-lasting consequences later in life. Research shows that one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Additionally, having five or more sunburns before age 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 80%.
Given that melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths and is one of the most common types of invasive cancer, ensuring students have access to proper sun protection at school matters.
The Role of Sun-Protective Clothing
In addition to sunscreen, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing has become a widely recommended solution for sun protection, especially for children. UPF clothing offers all-day protection against UV rays without needing frequent reapplication, making it ideal for long school days filled with outdoor activities.
States like California, New York, Oregon, and Texas are encouraging the use of sun-protective clothing in schools. Lightweight, breathable UPF apparel provides comprehensive sun safety and is an excellent complement to sunscreen. By dressing your child in comfortable UPF shirts, hats, and other protective clothing, you add an extra layer of defense against UV damage, especially when applying sunscreen isn't always practical during school hours.
How to Advocate for Change in Your State
If your state still has restrictions on sunscreen use in schools, there are several ways to advocate for change:
- Talk to School Officials – Engage with your child's school board and share the importance of sun protection during school hours.
- Support Legislation – Advocate for legislation in your state that allows students to carry and apply sunscreen without restrictions.
- Choose Sun-Protective Clothing – Encourage the use of UPF clothing, which offers a continuous, low-maintenance layer of protection that doesn't require school approval or reapplication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen in Schools
Here are some of the most common questions about sunscreen access in U.S. schools, answered.
Is sunscreen allowed in schools in my state?
As of 2026, sunscreen is allowed in schools without a doctor's note in 30 states and the District of Columbia (31 jurisdictions), thanks to SUNucate legislation championed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA). Another 18 states still require students to obtain medical documentation. To check your state's current status, visit the ASDSA SUNucate map. Alaska and Hawaii do not have formal legislation but generally permit sunscreen use.
Why is sunscreen treated like a drug in schools?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies sunscreen as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug because it's intended to prevent disease, specifically skin cancer, by protecting against UVA and UVB rays. Under broad school medication bans, OTC drugs often require a doctor's note before students can carry or use them at school. SUNucate legislation creates a specific exception for sunscreen, recognizing it as an essential public health tool rather than a controlled medication.
What is SUNucate legislation?
SUNucate is model legislation developed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) in 2013 to remove sunscreen from broader school medication bans. It allows students to carry and apply sunscreen at school and at school-sponsored events without a prescription or doctor's note. As of 2026, 30 states and the District of Columbia (31 jurisdictions) have adopted SUNucate or similar legislation, with continued advocacy efforts in the remaining 18 states.
What can parents do if sunscreen is restricted at their child's school?
Parents can advocate for change in several ways: contact your child's school board and superintendent to share the importance of sun protection during school hours; support state-level SUNucate legislation through advocacy organizations like the ASDSA; partner with school PTAs to promote sun-safe policies;check the UV Index each morning to plan appropriate sun protection for the day; and equip your child with UPF 50+ clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV400 sunglasses to provide protection that doesn't require reapplication or school approval.
Does UPF clothing offer the same protection as sunscreen at school?
UPF clothing offers continuous, all-day UV protection without needing reapplication, making it well-suited for long school days with outdoor activities. UPF 50+ apparel blocks at least 98% of UV rays and doesn't wear off with sweat, water, or time. While sunscreen and UPF clothing serve different functions (sunscreen for exposed skin, clothing for the areas it covers), UPF clothing is a strong primary defense for covered areas, especially when sunscreen reapplication isn't practical during school hours. Together, they provide comprehensive sun protection.
The Essential Takeaway
While sunscreen is still classified as an over-the-counter drug, the SUNucate initiative has driven legislation in 30 states and the District of Columbia (31 jurisdictions) to remove sunscreen restrictions in schools as of 2026. States like New Jersey, California, and New York have led the way in changing these regulations.
As more schools make the connection between repeated unprotected sun exposure and the increased risk of skin cancer later in life, parents can feel hopeful that future policies will prioritize student health. By incorporating sunscreen and UPF clothing into your child's daily routine, you can ensure they stay protected, both at school and beyond.
Because the best sun protection is the kind you can live in, the layer that never needs a doctor's note or a reapplication reminder is the clothing your child already has on.
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