Studies have shown that several ingredients found in chemical sunscreens may be detrimental to health and negatively impact the environment. Let’s examine some of the most commonly found chemicals in sunscreens and why you might want to reconsider using them.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate, also known as retinol palmitate, is a chemical compound made from vitamin A and palmitic acid. According to FDA data and research from the National Toxicology Program (NTP), retinyl palmitate may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in direct sunlight. This potential for carcinogenic effects raises concerns about its safety in sunscreen formulations.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene is used for its ability to absorb UVA and UVB radiation. However, octocrylene is a known photosensitizer, which means that when exposed to UV light, it can increase the production of free radicals in neighboring cells. This can lead to cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Emerging data has revealed that this chemical accumulates in marine life and can cause cellular dysfunction in coral. Researchers petitioned to have octocrylene sunscreens removed from the market after discovering it degrades into benzophenone, a carcinogenic endocrine disruptor.
Octisalate
Octisalate is a chemical derivative of salicylic acid that is commonly used in sunscreens. In a recent study with five other chemical sunscreen ingredients, octisalate showed an absorption rate 10 times that of the threshold allowed in the study. High blood levels of octisalate, well above the FDA’s safe limit, suggest potential risks including skin irritation and systemic toxicity.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate is a cinnamate, a classification of UVB sunscreens related to cinnamon oil. Rapidly absorbed into the skin, octinoxate can be detected in blood, urine, and breast milk. Studies have raised suspicions that octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor, which can interfere with hormonal balance and potentially lead to conditions like breast cancer. Additionally, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Its negative impact on marine life led to its ban in Hawaii and the Florida Keys.
Homosalate
Homosalate is frequently used in sunscreens for its ability to absorb short-wave UVB rays. It has been implicated for its endocrine-disrupting effects, raising concerns about its potential contribution to hormonal cancers. The European Union’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety has recently stated homosalate is not safe in amounts above 0.5%, far below the FDA’s current allowance of 15%.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is readily absorbed through the skin and found in the blood of 97% of Americans tested. This chemical is linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and cell damage. Studies have found detectable levels of oxybenzone in breast milk, indicating its potential to affect infants. It has also been associated with an increased risk of Hirschsprung’s disease in children when used by pregnant women. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against its use in children due to these risks.
Avobenzone
First discovered in the 1970s, avobenzone is a widely used organic, broad-spectrum UV filter. Research has shown that avobenzone byproducts can cause allergic reactions and hormone-disrupting effects. One study revealed that avobenzone is absorbed into the bloodstream at levels nine times higher than the FDA’s safety threshold, even after a single day of application. This significant absorption raises concerns about long-term health impacts.
The potential health risks associated with chemical sunscreens, including hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and increased cancer risk, are significant. Additionally, their negative impact on the environment, particularly marine life, cannot be overlooked. Given these concerns, it is advisable to carefully consider the ingredients in your sunscreen. Opting for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are generally recognized as safe and effective, may be a safer alternative for both your health and the environment.
