How Safe Really is Our Sun Lotion

The worldwide sunscreen market is a billion-dollar industry.

While the financial cost may be staggering.

This is nothing compared to the potential cost to our health.

Much debate and concern surround the safety of common sun lotion ingredients.

Particularly those absorbed into the bloodstream and their potential impact on our well-being.

So pull up your sunshade and join us.

As we good folk at the Naked Chemist investigate.

Controversy Surrounding Sunscreen

Lately, here at The Naked Chemist, we have been researching natural sun protection ingredients.

After writing the article on natural and organic skincare standards, we were surprised to learn that there is little regulation around sun lotion.

A study published by the FDA in 2019 highlighted these findings, reporting that chemical sunscreen actives—avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule—can be absorbed into the bloodstream at potentially unsafe levels. FDA Press Announcement, 2019.

These ingredients protect skin from the sun’s rays, which are absorbed directly into the bloodstream at higher levels than previously believed.

This can lead to skin inflammation, hormonal disruption, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Even some of the most tried-and-trusted sun lotion ingredients are coming into question.

The Confusion

Adding to the confusion, the American Academy of Dermatology states that sunscreen is safe.

They highlight that around 5 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year, more than 90 per cent of which are attributed to UV exposure.

Thus, they argue that people should continue using sun lotion while more research is conducted into the safety of sunscreen ingredients.

However, sunscreen manufacturers quickly combat these harmful messages, suggesting that such statements are ill-informed.

There is much controversy surrounding sun lotion, and many ingredients are now under review.

A 2019 Washington Post report discussed ongoing concerns about these chemicals, stating that the FDA’s findings were significant enough to raise alarm. Washington Post, 2019.

Controversial Ingredients

As mentioned above, the FDA reported on a pilot study showing that four chemical sun lotion actives—avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule—can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

PABA has now been banned in most countries. The maximum concentration of camphor benzalkonium methosulfate has been reduced from 6% to 3%.

Benzophenone-3 has also been reduced from 10% to 6%. 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor is allowed at up to 4% by concentration.

These regulatory changes highlight the growing concern about these ingredients, which we discuss in greater detail in the article about the dangers of suntan lotion.

According to the FDA guidelines, these adjustments in chemical concentrations underscore the need to reevaluate the safety and necessity of certain sunscreen ingredients (FDA, 2019).

The Need for Change

The reality is that these key ingredients found in our sun lotions are potentially dangerous chemicals that could do more harm than good.

There has been so much damage that many have been removed from the market or significantly reduced their levels due to possible health concerns.

This is worrying, especially since not all manufacturers are solely focused on the bottom line—some companies excel at creating natural formulas that provide sun protection.

A study published in Webmd in January 2020 noted that many consumers are now opting for natural sunscreens due to concerns about the absorption of chemical actives into the bloodstream. WebMD, 2020.

To conclude. The naked truth

In the skincare world, understanding the potential risks associated with chemical sunscreens is crucial.

While these products have become a staple for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, mounting evidence of the absorption of chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone into the bloodstream raises serious concerns about their safety.

The decision to use sunscreens shouldn’t be. Consumers must become label detectives, choosing formulations containing safer, natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

These physical blockers are not only FDA-approved but have been shown to provide adequate sun protection without the associated risks.

By making informed choices about sunscreen, we can safeguard our skin and health, ensuring a future in which enjoying the outdoors does not compromise our well-being.

References

1. FDA Press Announcement. (2019). The FDA has proposed a new regulation to make sure sunscreens are safe and effective. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-advances-new-proposed-regulation-make-sure-sunscreens-are-safe-and-effective.
2. WebMD. (2020, January 21). FDA: Skin absorbs dangerous sunscreen chemicals. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20200121/fda-skin-absorbs-dangerous-sunscreen-chemicals.
3. Washington Post. (2019, June 14). What you need to know about the chemicals in your sunscreen. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-chemicals-in-your-sunscreen/2019/06/14/3840042c-8ca3-11e9-adf3-f70f78c156e8_story.html.