May 31, 2021 12:30:00

Carcinogens detected in 78 sunscreens

Sunscreens are widely used to

combat sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, a study by Valisure , an independent testing institute, found that 78 types of sunscreens on the market contain the carcinogen 'benzene'.

Valisure-Citizen-Petition-on-Benzene-in-Sunscreen-and-After-sun-Care-Products-v9.7.pdf
(PDF file) https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-Citizen-Petition-on-Benzene-in-Sunscreen-and-After-sun-Care-Products-v9.7.pdf

Valisure Detects Benzene in Sunscreen --Valisure

https://www.valisure.com/blog/valisure-news/valisure-detects-benzene-in-sunscreen/

Benzene is designated as a 'solvent that should be avoided in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals' in the (PDF file) Guidelines for Residual Solvents of Pharmaceuticals, and it is required to keep the concentration within 2ppm even if its use is unavoidable. ..

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also called for restrictions on the use of benzene, but there is no clear concentration limit. In addition, as 'absorption amount of benzene when applied sunscreen increases' findings and, as 'when applied sunscreen, components included in the sunscreen from the blood is detected in high concentrations' studies have As reported, Valisure investigated the concentration of benzene in commercially available sunscreens.

Valisure conducted a benzene concentration survey on 294 products from 69 companies, and found that the concentration of benzene was significantly higher than 2ppm, which is 2.78-6.26ppm from 4 brands and 14 products of Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health and Fruit of the Earth. Benzene was detected. In addition, benzene of 0.11 to 1.99ppm was detected in 26 types of products, and benzene of 0.1ppm or less was detected in 38 types of products, revealing that a total of 78 types of products contain benzene.

'Many studies have shown that even trace amounts of benzene can cause cancer. Sunscreens recommended for skin cancer prevention are carcinogenic,' said David Wright, CEO of Valisure. The fact that it contains substances is very annoying, 'he insists on the dangers of using sunscreens that contain benzene. Based on the above results, the FDA was asked to 'recall sunscreens containing benzene', 'conduct surveys on commercially available sunscreens', 'limit concentrations on standard medicines containing benzene, and limit daily exposure'. Is requested.

'Many of the sunscreens on the market do not contain benzene,' said Christopher Vanick, a skin researcher at Yale University. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, benzene You should continue to use safe sunscreens that do not contain, 'he said, arguing that sunscreens should continue to be used to reduce the risk of skin cancer.