Issue 1, 2020

Sunscreen: FDA regulation, and environmental and health impact

Abstract

Photoprotection, including the use of sunscreen, has been shown to decrease the development of keratinocyte cancers and melanoma. Due to concerns about the environmental effects of some organic UVR filters, several locations across the world have begun to pass legislation banning the use of these ingredients in sunscreens. Furthermore, the health effects of several organic UVR filters have also been called into question and a recent proposal by the US FDA has resulted in public confusion about the safety of sunscreens. The aim of this article is to discuss FDA regulation of sunscreens and to review the environmental and health effects of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Ultimately, as dermatologists, our recommendations are to continue to encourage people to practice proper photoprotection including photoprotective clothing, staying in the shade while outdoors, and applying sunscreen to exposed areas. For those concerned about the potential environmental and health effects of organic UVR filters, inorganic/mineral UVR filter (namely, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)-based sunscreens can be used.

Graphical abstract: Sunscreen: FDA regulation, and environmental and health impact

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Sep 2019
Accepted
18 Nov 2019
First published
22 Nov 2019

Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2020,19, 66-70

Sunscreen: FDA regulation, and environmental and health impact

S. Narla and H. W. Lim, Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2020, 19, 66 DOI: 10.1039/C9PP00366E

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Spotlight

Advertisements