Harmful Chemicals From Sunscreen Get Absorbed Into Bloodstream After One Use: Study

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a study analyzing six common ingredients in some sunscreen products to see if the body absorbs these chemicals.

FDA researchers found unhealthy levels of chemicals in the blood of sunscreen users, later established to have come from certain ingredients of some sunscreen products, The Wall Street Journal reported. They also said that the levels they saw necessitated the need for them to undertake a thorough analysis of the chemicals to ensure they do not pose a threat to health.

When chemical ingredients found in the bloodstream reaches 0.5 nanograms or more per milliliter, the agency immediately raises concern. In the FDA's recent study, researchers reveal six chemicals found in some sunscreen products were at varying levels from 3.3 to 258.1 per milliliter, depending on the sunscreen used and how the user applied it.

At the beginning of this year, the federal agency released a study proving that the body could absorb sunscreen chemicals even if only used for one day and that traces of chemicals in the bloodstream were at levels much higher than what it recommends. Researchers revealed they examined four off-the-shelf sunscreen products and found they resulted in plasma concentrations that are beyond the FDA threshold required by the agency for it to waive some non-clinical toxicology studies for sunscreen.

The Study:

The FDA research zeroed in on six chemicals that are usually found in over-the-counter sunscreen products. These are octocrylene, octisalate, oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalate. The agency said past research has classified these chemicals as potential health risks, although researchers admit their findings at the time were not conclusive.

According to reports, the FDA was in the final stages of a proposed policy in November of 2019, which requires sunscreen manufacturers to perform more tests on all the chemicals used in their products to ensure their safety. That plan reportedly got scuttled when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Using Sunscreen

The FDA stated that for now, consumers spending their time under the sun should continue using sunscreen as this is their primary protection against the harmful rays of the sun, which is known to cause skin cancer. The agency, however, said using a mineral-based product instead of a chemical-based one may be safer. In the now-shelved sunscreen rule, the agency recognized the minerals titanium oxide and zinc oxide as effective and safe.

Another option is to use sunscreen in moderation. Using lightweight and breathable long sleeve shirts that help deflect the harmful rays of the sun is also preferred as this can minimize the need for sunscreens.