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Sunscreen Safety: a Review of Recent Studies on Humans and the Environment

  • Photodermatology (B Adler and V DeLeo, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Dermatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To provide an up-to-date synopsis of the literature on the safety of sunscreen active ingredients in humans and the environment and highlight regulatory changes in the USA.

Recent Findings

Currently, as per the US Food and Drug Administration, the only ultraviolet filters generally recognized as safe and effective are inorganic zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). In vivo human systemic absorption studies found that common organic filters attain sufficient plasma concentrations to require carcinogenicity and reproductive studies. In vivo human skin penetration studies showed ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) did not penetrate the stratum corneum. Limited quantities of TiO2-NP may be absorbed systemically. In laboratory settings, corals exposed to oxybenzone manifested concentration-dependent toxicity and bleaching. In response, bills passed in Hawaii and elsewhere ban sales of oxybenzone-containing sunscreens. ZnO-NP, but not TiO2-NP, caused coral bleaching under controlled conditions.

Summary

The collective knowledge on sunscreen safety is continually evolving, with many preliminary findings. Studies on the effects of systemic absorption of organic filters in humans are forthcoming; importantly, there has been no evidence of harm over decades of use. Organic (less so inorganic) filters caused coral bleaching in controlled environments, but filter concentrations may not have been realistic, and bleaching is predominantly driven by other factors. No present evidence suggests any marketed sunscreens should be avoided. For consumers with concerns, inorganic ZnO and TiO2 are supported by the most reassuring data at the time of writing.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Drs. Jeffrey Weinberg and Jonathan Silverberg for reviewing their manuscript.

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  1. Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Ezralow Tower, Suite 5301, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Brandon L. Adler & Vincent A. DeLeo

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Adler, B.L., DeLeo, V.A. Sunscreen Safety: a Review of Recent Studies on Humans and the Environment. Curr Derm Rep 9, 1–9 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-020-00284-4

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