A common ingredient found in many sunscreens, Oxybenzone, has been linked to hormone disruption and potential heart damage. The European Commission has banned the chemical due to its risks to human health and marine ecosystems. In the US, the FDA has reduced the allowed concentration of oxybenzone in sunscreens from 60% to 6%.
Studies have shown that Oxybenzone can disrupt hormones, leading to fertility issues and complications with conception and pregnancy. It may also cause breast cancer and endometriosis, as well as damage heart cells, increasing the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and strokes.
Despite these concerns, some sunscreens still contain oxybenzone. Dr. Corey Maas, a board-certified plastic surgeon, notes that while Oxybenzone has been linked to environmental toxicity, its potential human health risks are more recent discussions. However, several widely available sunscreen products, including Neutrogena’s Helioplex line and Banana Boat Kids MAX Spray SPF 100, still list oxybenzone as an ingredient.
Previous research has found that oxybenzone is readily absorbed through the skin and detected in breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and blood. Repeated exposure may disrupt hormones, with studies linking Oxybenzone to higher risks of breast cancer and endometriosis. Once in the bloodstream, it can damage heart cells.
Experts warn that while some in vitro and animal studies have suggested oxybenzone’s hormone-disrupting effects, translating these findings to clinical significance in humans is still an open question. Dr. Marie Jhin notes that outdated FDA regulations may be to blame for not banning oxybenzone nationwide.
With temperatures continuing to rise across the US, experts urge consumers to exercise caution when choosing sunscreen, especially for children and individuals with sensitive skin. They recommend opting for sunscreens formulated with UV filters that carry no known health risks, such as mineral filters or newer-generation chemical filters with proven safety profiles.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14918571/American-sunscreens-banned-Europe.html