journal article·2023-01-04Open access

Toxicity of Different Chemical Components in Sun Cream Filters and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Sonia Santander Ballestín, María José Luesma Bartolomé

Applied Sciences· Volume 13· Issue 2

Abstract

Some chemical components in sun cream filters have endocrine-disrupting activity or can be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, bioaccumulative, allergens, or be toxic for human reproduction. It is important that sunscreens have safety requirements. The objective of this work is to compare sun cream filters used in conventional commercial sunscreens and those that are considered natural products, especially focused on endocrine-disrupting effects. In order to achieve the above objective, the compositions of different conventional and natural sun cream filters were evaluated and compared, taking into account the presence of the different sun cream filters whose effects were evaluated on the website specialized in safety and cosmetics, Environmental Working Group (EWG), and in the Register of chemical substances and mixtures in the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. The currently available evidence of each sun cream filter and their degree of safety has been summarized. Several organic sun cream filters present a potential risk to health and the environment; however, inorganic sun cream filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (ZnO and TiO2) show a very low risk in humans as they are not absorbed through intact or damaged tissues. The legislation does not oblige manufacturers to specify the concentration of each substance, which provides qualitative but not quantitative information for the consumer.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Skin Protection and Aging · Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals · Animal testing and alternatives

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Pharmacology, Phisiology, and Legal-Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Huesca, Spain

Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain

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