Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of commonly used organic UV filters in sunscreens and their potential effects on water sources, coral reefs, and marine life.
Results Summary
The study found that organic UV filters like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate are widespread in global water sources, resistant to wastewater treatment, and present in marine species, potentially affecting the food chain. Additionally, oxybenzone was implicated in coral reef bleaching.
Population
Environmental samples (water sources, marine species) and general public health considerations.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) | increase | coral reef bleaching | coral reef | - | implicated specifically as a possible contributor to | #1 |
UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and ethylhexyl salicylate | increase | almost all water sources around the world | water sources around the world | - | identified in | #2 |
UV filters such as 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate | increase | various species of fish worldwide | various species of fish worldwide | - | identified in | #3 |
With increasing awareness regarding the risks of sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer, the use of sunscreens has increased. Organic and inorganic filters are used in sunscreen products worldwide. Concerns have been raised regarding the environmental effects of commonly used organic ultraviolet (UV) filters, including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, octocrylene, and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate). Studies have identified UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and ethylhexyl salicylate in almost all water sources around the world and have commented that these filters are not easily removed by common wastewater treatment plant techniques. Additionally, in laboratory settings, oxybenzone has been implicated specifically as a possible contributor to coral reef bleaching. Furthermore, UV filters such as 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate have been identified in various species of fish worldwide, which has possible consequences for the food chain. As dermatologists, it is important for us to continue to emphasize the public health impact of excessive sun exposure and advise our patients about proper photoprotection practice, which consists of seeking shade, wearing photoprotective clothing (including hats and sunglasses), and applying appropriate sunscreens.