Sunscreen Containing Octocrylen: Potential Health Risks from UV Filter Exposure?
In the realm of sunscreen ingredients, two commonly encountered substances are Octocrylene and Titanium Dioxide. Let's delve into their safety profiles, usage, and alternatives.
Octocrylene, a chemical UV filter, is generally considered safe for use in sunscreens by dermatologists and health authorities, provided the concentration does not exceed 10%. However, concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting effects persist due to inconclusive data [1].
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated octocrylene in 2021 and concluded it is safe at concentrations up to 10%, although the committee noted the data was inconclusive regarding endocrine disruption [1]. This has led to restrictions reducing allowed concentrations in sunscreens in Europe. Despite these concerns, octocrylene and several other common UV filters are widely regarded as safe and effective when used properly [1][2].
Extensive preclinical studies, including in vivo, in vitro, and computational analyses, have found no genotoxicity or biologically relevant carcinogenic mechanisms linked to octocrylene exposure at realistic human usage levels, supporting its continued safe use in sunscreen products [2].
However, scientific and public concerns remain about the possible endocrine-disrupting potential of octocrylene and similar chemical filters. While some laboratory studies show potential endocrine-related effects, real-world human exposure levels are far lower than those causing effects in animal models [1][3][5]. As a result, regulatory bodies are cautious but have not established octocrylene as overtly harmful or carcinogenic for humans [1][3][5].
On the other hand, Titanium Dioxide, a UVB filter, has a different safety profile. Although it cannot penetrate the skin barrier, in sunscreen sprays, its particles can enter the respiratory tract [unspecified source]. The BfR reports that octocrylen is now rarely used in sunscreen products available in Germany, and most contain no or only small amounts of Benzophenone [unspecified source].
Titanium Dioxide has been banned as an additive in food in the EU since 2022 because it cannot be ruled out that it is genotoxic [unspecified source]. Despite its genotoxic potential and potential respiratory risks in sprays, the use of Titanium Dioxide in cosmetics like sunscreen is still allowed. Certified natural cosmetics completely avoid chemical substances and use Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as UV filters [unspecified source].
For those wishing to avoid possible risks from Octocrylen, sunscreens with mineral UV filters such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are an option. However, it's essential to note that in sunscreens with mineral UV filters, there are still potential risks that should be considered [unspecified source].
Consumers are not currently expected to face a health risk from Octocrylen [unspecified source]. Octocrylen can be found in various cosmetic products with UV protection, including sunscreens, lip balm, moisturizers, and body care products. It can hide behind various names on packaging, such as Octocrilene, 2-Cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylat, and Eusolex OCR, among others [unspecified source].
In summary, octocrylene is not classified as carcinogenic to humans and is considered safe for sunscreen use within regulated concentrations. However, ongoing research and regulatory reviews continue to monitor its safety profile, especially concerning endocrine effects and environmental impacts. As for Titanium Dioxide, while it is still allowed in cosmetics, its genotoxic potential and potential respiratory risks in sprays warrant careful consideration.
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