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Why I Don’t Blindly Trust the FDA — And You Shouldn’t Either

Over the years, I’ve learned something that makes many people uncomfortable: just because something is FDA-approved doesn’t mean it’s safe. And just because something isn’t FDA-approved doesn’t mean it’s dangerous.
I’ve spent decades studying wellness, nutrition, and the impact of environmental toxins on our bodies. And I’ve lost count of how many people have asked me, “But is it FDA approved?” As if that’s the gold standard. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
Let me break it down to you—and why it matters for your health.
A History of “Approved First, Apologize Later”

FDA’s Record

Did you know that the FDA has approved hundreds of drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) products that were later banned or restricted? Not a handful. Hundreds.[1][2]

Even worse? A large percentage of those—up to 25%—were connected to death or permanent disability before they were pulled from the market.[3] That means real people suffered or died,

Sunscreen

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while the FDA waited for more proof. How many class-action lawsuits have you seen on TV that start with, “If you or a loved one were harmed by…”? Yeah. Approved first. Damage later. Then maybe—maybe—a recall.

Sunscreens Aren’t Immune.

The same issues apply to sunscreens. For years, the FDA allowed ingredients like PABA and trolamine salicylate—which we now know can cause allergic reactions, phototoxicity, and possible DNA damage.[4][5][6]
Those ingredients were finally banned… but only in 2021. That’s decades of people applying them daily to their skin, thinking they were doing the right thing. And here’s the kicker: the FDA still hasn’t fully evaluated many of the chemical UV filters still used today. They’re “approved,” but with limited modern safety data.[7]
Meanwhile, other countries—like those in Europe and Asia—have far more stringent standards. But here in the U.S., innovation gets delayed, and safety sometimes takes a backseat to bureaucracy.[8]

My Reason for Questioning Authority? It’s personal

This issue hits close to home. I was born with deformed feet and other issues. My dad served in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange—a chemical the government knew was toxic but still deployed.
To this day, the government refuses to acknowledge the connection for far too many veterans, Vietnamese, and children.  And while my condition is manageable, others have suffered much more. So yes, I question what the government tells me is safe and I will not apologize for it. And you should too.

Why I Use Hugh & Grace Sunscreen

That’s why I’m so intentional about the products I use and recommend. When it comes to sun protection, I only trust brands that go above and beyond—ones that don’t wait for the FDA to tell them what’s “safe.”
Just recently, Hugh & Grace released a new product: mineral-based sunscreen.  It’s free of toxic chemical filters, non-nano, and made with ingredients that support skin health—not compromise it. It’s reef-safe, kid-safe, and most importantly, conscience-safe.
 
We live in a world where marketing often speaks louder than science, and where approvals don’t always equal protection. Do your research. Read labels. Ask the hard questions. And trust your gut.
You only get one body. Treat it like you mean it.
—Melissa 
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Footnotes
  1. U.S. FDA has withdrawn or revoked ~600 drug marketing applications since 1994. Source: FDA Law Blog
  1. Let me know if you’d like this formatted for your website’s blog platform (like WordPress or Kajabi), or if you want to add affiliate/product links or an image banner!
    Footnotes
     
    1. U.S. FDA has withdrawn or revoked ~600 drug marketing applications since 1994. Source: FDA Law Blog Link
 

Melissa McAllister

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