Why you should choose a sunscreen that is free of UV absorbers (Part 2)

A little more information on UV protection in sunscreen

The sunscreens we use often contain UV absorbers, which absorb UV rays on the surface of the skin, making it less susceptible to the effects of UV rays.

This may seem like a welcome ingredient for people who want to avoid getting sunburned, but in fact, many UV absorbers have not been approved as safe or effective by the FDA in the United States.

Following on from the first article , this article will introduce the suspected risks associated with each UV absorber.

* Click here for the reasons why you should choose a sunscreen that is free of UV absorbers (Part 1)

UV absorbers whose effectiveness and safety are under debate

Here is what the FDA has to say about ingredients commonly found in sunscreens:

Here we will explain each of the ingredients mentioned above in more detail.

Oxybenzone

Due to various concerns, the number of sunscreen creams containing sunscreen is decreasing. The risks that have been pointed out are as follows:

• After application, it is absorbed through the skin
• May cause skin allergies
• Numerous studies have shown that it has endocrine disrupting (hormonal imbalance) effects
• This can have a particularly devastating effect on children
• Abnormal birth weight has been reported in pregnant women exposed to oxybenzone

There is also data that suggests that it is absorbed quite well through the skin , and further research into its health effects is ongoing.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

Also known as octinoxate, this is an ultraviolet absorbing agent that is used in many sunscreens.

• After application to the skin, it is absorbed through the skin over a long period of time.
• There have been cases where it was found in blood at concentrations 16 times higher than the FDA's safety standard.
• Effects on metabolic function and thyroid hormone production
• May cause allergic reactions when exposed to UV rays

It is said to have adverse effects such as causing coral bleaching. For this reason, some countries and regions, such as Hawaii and Tahiti, have banned the sale of sunscreen products containing ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate .

Homosalate

It has been confirmed that it can be absorbed through the skin and has endocrine disrupting effects. Due to concerns that it may affect hormones secreted in the body, the EU Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety recommends that its use be limited to 1.4% (in Japan, it is permitted to use up to 10%).

Octyl Salicylate

It is also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is known to be absorbed through the skin. There have been cases where it was found on the skin at concentrations 10 times higher than the safety standard set by the US FDA. Re-examination of safety standards is currently underway.

Octocrylene

It is absorbed through the skin and has been shown to cause a high rate of skin allergies. In the EU, it is considered safe to use in amounts up to 10%.

t-Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

It is also known as avobenzone. It is used in many sunscreen products in Japan.
Cell studies have confirmed that it blocks the action of the male hormone testosterone, has been found in high concentrations in serum, and has been shown to be absorbed through the skin.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

These are not UV absorbers but "UV scattering agents." They are used in nano-sized form . FDA investigations have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of UV protection. They are also said to be hardly absorbed through the skin.

However, titanium dioxide has been pointed out as a possible carcinogen when inhaled through the mouth or nose. If inhaled into the body, the nano-processed components are not properly processed by the lungs and may enter the bloodstream.

How to choose a sunscreen that is free of UV absorbers

There are various risks that may be lurking in UV absorbers. Of course, just because they are absorbed through the skin does not necessarily mean that there is a high risk! However, there are many things we do not know about the effects that occur after they are absorbed into the body.

When choosing a sunscreen, check for the following labels and choose a type that does not contain UV absorbers.

• No UV absorbers used
• UV absorber free
• Non-chemical
• Beach Friendly

Also, even if the sunscreen contains titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which are considered safe, it may be safer to avoid those that contain nano-ingredients or spray- type products that pose a risk of inhalation.

Information that can only be shared via LINE is also available.