Sunscreens part 2: Regulation and safety - 19/03/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.02.066

Sara Abdel Azim, MS ^a, Liat Bainvoll, BS ^b, Natalia Vecerek, MD ^c, Vincent A. DeLeo, MD ^c, Brandon L. Adler, MD ^c,^⁎
^a Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
^b Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
^c Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

^∗Correspondence to: Brandon L. Adler, MD, Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Ezralow Tower, Suite 5301, Los Angeles, CA 90033.Department of DermatologyKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern California1441 Eastlake AveEzralow TowerSuite 5301Los AngelesCA90033

Abstract

The second part of this CME article discusses sunscreen regulation and safety considerations for humans and the environment. First, we provide an overview of the history of the US Food and Drug Administration's regulation of sunscreen. Recent Food and Drug Administration studies clearly demonstrate that organic ultraviolet filters are systemically absorbed during routine sunscreen use, but to date there is no evidence of associated negative health effects. We also review the current evidence of sunscreen's association with vitamin D levels and frontal fibrosing alopecia, and recent concerns regarding benzene contamination. Finally, we review the possible environmental effects of ultraviolet filters, particularly coral bleaching. While climate change has been shown to be the primary driver of coral bleaching, laboratory-based studies suggest that organic ultraviolet filters represent an additional contributing factor, which led several localities to ban certain organic filters.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Key words : avobenzone, benzene, benzophenones, CARES Act, chemical filters, climate change, contact allergy, contact dermatitis, coral bleaching, coral reefs, deemed final order, frontal fibrosing alopecia, global warming, GRASE, Hawaii, hypovitaminosis D, inorganic filters, maximal usage trial, nanoparticle, organic filters, OTC drugs, oxybenzone, PABA, physical filters, proposed rule, reef safe sunscreen, reproductive toxicity, SPF, sunscreen monograph, sunscreen, systemic absorption, titanium dioxide, trolamine salicylate, UVA, UVB, vitamin D, wastewater treatment plants, zinc oxide

Abbreviations used : EU, FDA, FFA, GRASE, NPs, ROS, SPF, TiO₂, USVI, UV, ZnO