DEFINITIONS OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS FOUND IN MANY SUNSCREENS
By OutFit Organics & Emulate Natural Care, Inc.
Benzophenone. Benzophenone is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer. Exposure to benzophenone may increase the risk of cancer. Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
Oxybenzone. Studies have shown that oxybenzone may affect breast development, infant birth weight, and sperm function. It has also been shown to contribute to the killing of coral reefs in the ocean. As a result, Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate starting in 2021.
Avobenzone. Avobenzone degrades when it is exposed to the sun which results in harmful free radicals being released into the body. These free radicals can accelerate the aging process and increase the risk of illness including cancer.
Homosalate. A recent opinion from the European Commission found that homosalate was not safe to use at concentrations up to 10 percent and recommended a maximum concentration of 1.4 percent, because of concerns for potential endocrine disruption (SCCS 2020).
Octocrylene. Studies have found that octocrylene causes relatively high rates of skin allergies (Bryden 2006). It has been linked to aquatic toxicity, with the potential to harm coral health (Stein 2019), and it is often contaminated with the known carcinogen benzophenone.
Octinoxate. Reproductive organs and development toxicity: Numerous studies have reported that octinoxate exhibits antiandrogenic activity, which is linked to harmful effects on reproductive organ development in male and female fetuses exposed in utero. These effects can be further passed onto their offspring.
Nanoparticle Zinc Oxide. At the same time, many published research studies showed the toxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on some specific organs and cell lines. These toxic effects were attributed to the high solubility of the particles, resulting in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.