Oxybenzone is a UV filter in sunscreens, but potential health concerns include skin irritation, allergies, and endocrine disruption.
Oxybenzone is a synthetic UV filter commonly used in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB and some UVA rays. While effective in providing sun protection, it is associated with potential health concerns. These include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and suspected endocrine disruption due to its ability to be absorbed through the skin. Ongoing research aims to clarify the extent of its hormonal and developmental impacts, leading to increased scrutiny and the development of alternative UV filters.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Typically used at concentrations of 0.5-6% in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Oxybenzone is synthesized through the benzoylation of resorcinol. This typically involves reacting resorcinol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA radiation, protecting the skin from sun damage. It reduces the amount of harmful UV radiation that penetrates the skin, mitigating sunburn and potential long-term damage.
Possible Side Effects
Endocrine disruption involves interference with the endocrine system by chemicals, leading to hormonal imbalances and a variety of adverse health effects, including developmental abnormalities, reproductive problems, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Skin irritation involves symptoms like redness, itching, and rashes due to contact with irritants, allergens, or environmental factors. Severity varies based on the cause, individual sensitivity, and affected area; persistent cases may lead to secondary infections.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Environmental toxicity describes the harmful effects of substances on the environment, affecting living organisms and ecosystems, potentially leading to long-term ecological damage and human health problems. It arises from the release of pollutants into the environment.
Skin irritation and allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis and photoallergy, can occur, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and inflammation upon contact or sun exposure.
Oxybenzone, found in some sunscreens, is suspected of disrupting hormone function based on in vitro and animal studies. Human studies are limited and show mixed results, making definitive conclusions difficult.
Oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream after topical application. The long-term health effects of this systemic exposure are still being investigated, raising potential concerns about endocrine disruption.
Scientific Evidence
Key scientific sources include studies on oxybenzone's absorption rates, contact dermatitis incidence, allergic response mechanisms, and potential endocrine disrupting effects on human cell lines and animal models. Specific studies can be found on PubMed using keywords such as 'oxybenzone absorption', 'oxybenzone allergy', and 'oxybenzone endocrine disruption'.
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