Category Analysis

Toxic Ingredients in Sunscreen

Q: Are chemical sunscreen ingredients really absorbed into the blood?

Yes. A pivotal 2019 study funded by the FDA and published in JAMA demonstrated that four common chemical sunscreen ingredients — avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule — were absorbed into the bloodstream at concentrations exceeding the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold after just one application. A follow-up 2020 study expanded this to six active ingredients and confirmed systemic absorption persisted for days after the last application.

Q: What is the problem with oxybenzone specifically?

Oxybenzone is one of the most extensively studied sunscreen chemicals and raises multiple red flags. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen, and it has been detected in human breast milk, urine, and amniotic fluid. Environmentally, concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion can induce coral bleaching. Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, and the nation of Palau have all enacted legislation banning oxybenzone in sunscreens to protect marine ecosystems.

Q: What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens use organic (carbon-based) UV filter molecules like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate that absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. These molecules are absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Mineral sunscreens use inorganic physical blockers — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — that sit on top of the skin and physically reflect and scatter UV rays. Mineral filters are not significantly absorbed and are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA.

Q: Why does Numbrrrz include sunscreen in its educational content?

Many lip balms contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate for SPF protection. Because lip products are directly ingested, understanding the systemic absorption of these chemicals is especially important for lip care consumers. Numbrrrz educates about sunscreen ingredients to help consumers make informed choices across all products that touch their lips and face.

About Sunscreen Safety

Sunscreen is essential for UV protection, but the chemical filters used in most conventional formulas raise significant safety questions that consumers deserve to understand. An FDA-funded study published in JAMA found that common chemical sunscreen active ingredients — including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate — are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels exceeding the FDA's threshold for toxicological concern after just a single application. Oxybenzone, one of the most widely used UV filters, has been detected in breast milk, amniotic fluid, and urine samples, and is a suspected endocrine disruptor that may interfere with reproductive hormones. Environmental concerns compound the health picture: oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to cause coral bleaching at concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion, leading Hawaii, Key West, and Palau to ban them from reef-safe sunscreen products. Mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, providing broad-spectrum protection without systemic exposure. Understanding the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen filters empowers consumers to protect their skin and their health simultaneously.

Most Dangerous Ingredients in Sunscreen

Phthalates

A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, developmental issues, and metabolic disorders.

Parabens

A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about endocrine disruption and links to breast cancer.

Oxybenzone

A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics. It absorbs UVA and UVB radiation but is a known endocrine disruptor, coral reef toxin, and one of the most frequently detected chemicals in human blood and urine.

Benzophenone

A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging. Benzophenone and its derivatives are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, and benzophenone itself is classified as a possible carcinogen.

Octinoxate

A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics. It absorbs UVB radiation and is one of the most common sunscreen ingredients worldwide. Like oxybenzone, it is an endocrine disruptor and harmful to coral reefs.

Synthetic Fragrance

An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under US law, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, which may include phthalates, musks, allergens, and sensitizers.

DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)

A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters. Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. DEA itself is also linked to organ toxicity and developmental harm.

Talc

A naturally occurring mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate) used as an absorbent, anti-caking agent, and texture enhancer. Talc deposits frequently occur alongside asbestos, leading to contamination concerns. Inhaled talc particles can also cause respiratory damage.

Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)

A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly. D4 in particular is a known endocrine disruptor, and all three (D4, D5, D6) are persistent environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems.

Homosalate

A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. Used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor that breaks down into more toxic byproducts under UV exposure.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)

A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.

Retinyl Palmitate

A form of vitamin A (retinol ester) used in sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers. While vitamin A is essential for skin health, retinyl palmitate becomes problematic when applied topically and exposed to sunlight, potentially accelerating UV-induced skin damage.

Triethanolamine (TEA)

An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics. Triethanolamine can react with nitrosating agents present in formulations to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. It is also a skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations.

Avobenzone

One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection. However, it is photounstable, breaking down rapidly under UV light and losing effectiveness within 30 minutes unless stabilized by other chemicals.

Propylene Glycol

A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. While considered safe at low concentrations, it is a skin irritant at higher levels and enhances absorption of other ingredients — including harmful ones.

Octisalate

A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation and is commonly used as a secondary sunscreen agent to boost SPF values. Octisalate also acts as a solvent for other UV filters like avobenzone.

Aluminum Compounds

A group of aluminum-based compounds used primarily as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. They work by temporarily blocking sweat glands. The link between aluminum and health conditions like breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease remains scientifically debated but has not been disproven.

Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)

Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form (<100nm) used in sunscreens to eliminate the white cast of traditional mineral sunscreens. While non-nano titanium dioxide is considered safe, the nanoparticle form raises concerns about cellular penetration, inhalation risks, and potential DNA damage.

Ceteareth-20

An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. Like all ethoxylated compounds, ceteareth-20 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) from the manufacturing process.

Dimethicone

A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)

A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness. EDTA itself has low direct toxicity, but it is extremely persistent in the environment and can mobilize heavy metals in water systems.

Palm Oil

An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms. Palm oil itself has low toxicity and is a versatile cosmetic ingredient. The primary concern is environmental: palm oil production drives massive deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

Sunscreen Products Analyzed

View full analysis

Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF 70

Coppertone

FAQ

Are chemical sunscreen ingredients really absorbed into the blood?

Yes. A pivotal 2019 study funded by the FDA and published in JAMA demonstrated that four common chemical sunscreen ingredients — avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule — were absorbed into the bloodstream at concentrations exceeding the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold after just one application. A follow-up 2020 study expanded this to six active ingredients and confirmed systemic absorption persisted for days after the last application.

What is the problem with oxybenzone specifically?

Oxybenzone is one of the most extensively studied sunscreen chemicals and raises multiple red flags. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen, and it has been detected in human breast milk, urine, and amniotic fluid. Environmentally, concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion can induce coral bleaching. Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, and the nation of Palau have all enacted legislation banning oxybenzone in sunscreens to protect marine ecosystems.

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens use organic (carbon-based) UV filter molecules like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate that absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. These molecules are absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Mineral sunscreens use inorganic physical blockers — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — that sit on top of the skin and physically reflect and scatter UV rays. Mineral filters are not significantly absorbed and are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA.

Why does Numbrrrz include sunscreen in its educational content?

Many lip balms contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate for SPF protection. Because lip products are directly ingested, understanding the systemic absorption of these chemicals is especially important for lip care consumers. Numbrrrz educates about sunscreen ingredients to help consumers make informed choices across all products that touch their lips and face.

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