Oxybenzone
* An active sunscreen ingredient
* Also known as Benzophenone-3
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Octinoxate Plus Other Sunscreen Ingredients and Are They Safe?
Functions:
Oxybenzone is primarily used as a photostabilizer and sunscreen. As a chemical sunscreen agent, it protects the skin from harmful UV-A rays. By absorbing UV rays, it also helps prevent the integrity of other cosmetic ingredients from deteriorating under the sun. For this reason, Oxybenzone is often used in conjunction with other sunscreen agents. It is seen in a variety of personal care products including sunscreen, nail polish, lotions, creams and lipstick (Wikipedia).
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
According to the EWG, there are several suspected dangers associated with Oxybenzone. Despite its sun protective abilities, it has been shown to penetrate the skin and cause photo-sensitivity. As a photocarcinogen, it’s demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells; for this reason, it is believed to be a contributing factor in the recent rise of melanoma cases with sunscreen users. Some studies have shown it to behave similarly to the hormone estrogen, suggesting that it may cause breast cancer. It has also been linked to contact eczema.
In addition, there exist many concerns regarding the human body’s percutaneous absorption of Oxybenzone. In one study, individuals applied a sunscreen with 4% Oxybenzone and submitted urine samples 5 days after topical application. All the subjects’ urine secretions were found to contain Oxybenzone, suggesting the body’s ability to store the substance. In 2008, the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention conducted a similar experiment on a national scale, and found the chemical compound to be present in 96.8% of the human urine samples surveyed. As a result, it is recommended that parents keep their small children from using products containing the ingredient. This is based on the assertion that children under the age of 2 have not fully developed the enzymes that are required to break down derivatives of Oxybenzone.
Though a fair amount scientific evidence points to the adverse effects of Oxybenzone, additional tests are required before making any definite conclusions. It must be noted that this ingredient still possesses less severe risks than those associated with PABA. Furthermore, many dermatologists insist that, because dermal absorption of Oxybenzone appears to be low and still exists as one of the few substances to effectively protect against UV rays, this ingredient should not be ruled out entirely.
The FDA has approved the use of Benzophenone-3 as a safe and effective OTC sunscreen ingredient, but only in concentrations up to 6%.
Recommended Products w/ Oxybenzone:
Peter Thomas Roth Continuous Sunscreen Mist SPF 30, Dermalogica Daily Defense Block SPF 15, SolBar Sunscreen, Tinsosorb, Eco Lips Facestick SPF 30, TiSilc Sunblock, Blistex Deep Renewal, MD Skincare Sunscreen Pads
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what is the effect of more usage Oxybenzone on face skin.at every night
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Hey!
I've used Neutrogena sun blocks and even though they do provide protection but they have these harmful ingredients! so from now on I'll use safer products!! That is scary!!! thanks for sharing the info with us!!
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 2:59 am