Topic
Sunscreen
Asian sunscreens and the Canadian rules: DIN, NPN and what to check.
Korean and Japanese sunscreens have a cult following for their light, non-greasy textures and lack of white cast. Before you buy one in Canada, there’s an important difference to know about.
In Canada, sunscreens are regulated as non-prescription drugs or as natural health products, not as cosmetics. A sunscreen authorised for sale here shows a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on its label. Many popular Asian sunscreens are formulated for their home markets and don’t carry either number, including when they’re shipped to Canada from overseas retailers.
Our sunscreen guides explain what that means for you, how to check a label, and how to compare textures and filters. You can look up a DIN in Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and an NPN in the Licensed Natural Health Products Database. Mizuki doesn’t sell sunscreen.
By Mizuki Editorial Team · Updated
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