Sunscreen - Chemical Safety Facts

Key Points/Overview

Sunscreens are products that help absorb or deflect the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to protect people from sunburns and lower their risk of skin cancer. Mineral sunscreens, also called sunblock or physical sunscreen, contain ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and protect skin by deflecting the sun’s harmful UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain carbon-containing molecules that absorb sunlight, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone.

Uses & Benefits

When used as directed, sunscreen can help protect against sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer and helping to prevent the early signs of skin aging. Sunscreens work by providing “broad spectrum” protection from two types of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun: UVA and UVB rays.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends sunscreens with broad-spectrum UV protection and SPF 15 or higher to help protect against skin aging and skin cancer.

Safety Information

FDA regulates the safety and effectiveness of both chemical and mineral sunscreens and their active ingredients, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both of these chemicals are included on FDA’s list of acceptable active ingredients in sunscreen. Some chemical sunscreens ingredients may be irritating to some people’s skin. For example, avobenzone is nontoxic and typically non-irritating to the skin but its use in conjunction with photostabilizers in sunscreen may increase the risk for skin irritation for some people.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states unambiguously that “sunscreen is safe to use” and that “no published studies show that sunscreen is toxic to humans or hazardous to human health.” For children younger than 6 months of age, AAD states that parents and caregivers should avoid using sunscreen, and instead protect young children’s skin from the sun by keeping them in the shade and dressing them in long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats. For children 6 months and older, AAD advises parents and caregivers use a sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which protects the sensitive skin of babies and toddlers.

FAQs

What is the difference between physical versus chemical sunscreen?

The difference between physical (also called mineral) and chemical sunscreens is how they work. Physical sunscreen uses inorganic chemicals that can reflect or scatter sunlight away from the skin, and chemical sunscreens use organic (carbon-based) chemicals to absorb UV rays so that skin doesn’t absorb it.

Some people prefer chemical sunscreens because they are generally very lightweight and easy to blend, which makes them easy to reapply, for example. Other people prefer mineral sunscreens because they work very quickly once applied to skin and can work well with sensitive skin.

How do I know what sunscreen ingredients are safe?

FDA must approve any active ingredient before it can be used in sunscreen. To date, FDA has approved 17 ingredients for use in sunscreen, including oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Several other ingredients are under FDA consideration.

What is PABA, and why is it used in sunscreen?

PABA, short for Para-AminoBenzoic Acid, is an antioxidant that can absorb UVB rays when applied to the skin and is an FDA-approved active ingredient in sunscreen.

What is homosalate, and why is it used in sunscreen?

Homosalate is an FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that provides primarily UVB protection when applied to the skin.

Are DEET or other insect repellents safe to be used with sunscreen?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is fine to use these products together. The CDC advises that people should apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. In general, CDC recommends use of separate insect repellent and sunscreen products. However, the CDC also notes that a sunscreen’s SPF level may decrease when a DEET-containing insect repellent is applied after sunscreen, so people may need to reapply sunscreen more frequently if using the products in combination.

Related Resources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cosmetics Info

Relevant Articles

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium is a metal commonly found in plants and animals. It naturally interacts with oxygen to form titanium oxides, commonly found in ores, indigenous dust, sands, and soils.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is a white, powdery mineral that can help block harmful UV rays from the skin and prevent sunburn.

Benzophenone

Benzophenone is a sweet-smelling organic compound that occurs naturally in grapes and other fruits.