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Sunscreen
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== Active ingredients == Sunscreen formulations contain UV absorbing compounds (the active ingredients) dissolved or dispersed in a mixture of other ingredients, such as water, oils, moisturizers, and antioxidants. The UV filters can be either: * [[organic chemistry|Organic compounds]] which absorb ultraviolet light.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cole C, Shyr T, Ou-Yang H | title = Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering | journal = Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine | volume = 32 | issue = 1 | pages = 5β10 | date = January 2016 | pmid = 26431814 | doi = 10.1111/phpp.12214 | s2cid = 20695063 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Some organic compounds ([[bisoctrizole]] and phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine) also partially reflect incident light.<ref name="Pantelic_2023"/> These are also referred to as "chemical" UV filters. * [[Inorganic chemistry|Inorganic compounds]] ([[zinc oxide]] and [[titanium dioxide]]), which reflect, scatter, and absorb UV light.<ref name="americanelements">{{cite web|title=Nanotechnology Information Center: Properties, Applications, Research, and Safety Guidelines|url=http://www.americanelements.com/nanotech.htm|publisher=[[American Elements]]|access-date=July 16, 2013|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090949/http://www.americanelements.com/nanotech.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> These are also referred to as "mineral" filters. The organic compounds used as UV filter are often [[aromaticity|aromatic]] molecules [[conjugated system|conjugated]] with [[carbonyl]] groups. This general structure allows the molecule to absorb high-energy ultraviolet rays and release the energy as lower-energy rays, thereby preventing the skin-damaging ultraviolet rays from reaching the skin. So, upon exposure to UV light, most of the ingredients (with the notable exception of [[avobenzone]]) do not undergo significant chemical change, allowing these ingredients to retain the UV-absorbing potency without significant [[photodegradation]].<ref name= CTFA1998 /> A chemical stabilizer is included in some sunscreens containing avobenzone to slow its breakdown. The stability of avobenzone can also be improved by [[bemotrizinol]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chatelain E, Gabard B | title = Photostabilization of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate by bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), a new UV broadband filter | journal = Photochemistry and Photobiology | volume = 74 | issue = 3 | pages = 401β406 | date = September 2001 | pmid = 11594052 | doi = 10.1562/0031-8655(2001)074<0401:POBMAA>2.0.CO;2 | doi-broken-date = March 6, 2025 | s2cid = 29879472 }}</ref> [[octocrylene]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/dnpus/pe_parsol_340.htm |publisher=DSM |title=Parsol 340 β Octocrylene |access-date=June 22, 2015 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803112741/http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/dnpus/pe_parsol_340.htm |archive-date=August 3, 2009 }}</ref> and various other photostabilisers. Most organic compounds in sunscreens slowly degrade and become less effective over the course of several years even if stored properly, resulting in the [[shelf life|expiration dates]] calculated for the product.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/does-sunscreen-become-ineffective-with-age |title=Does sunscreen become ineffective with age? | vauthors = Burke KE |publisher=The Skin Cancer Foundation |access-date=July 31, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044446/http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/does-sunscreen-become-ineffective-with-age |url-status=live }}</ref> Sunscreening agents are used in some hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners and styling agents to protect against protein degradation and color loss. Currently, [[benzophenone-4]] and [[ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate]] are the two sunscreens most commonly used in hair products. The common sunscreens used on skin are rarely used for hair products due to their texture and weight effects. UV filters need usually to be approved by local agencies (such as the FDA in the United States) to be used in sunscreen formulations. As of 2023, 29 compounds are approved in the European Union and 17 in the USA.<ref name="Pantelic_2023">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW | title = Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 88 | issue = 3 | pages = 632β646 | date = March 2023 | pmid = 36442641 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.11.039 | s2cid = 254068728 }}</ref> No new UV filters have been approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics since 1999. The following are the FDA allowable active ingredients in sunscreens: {{anchor|table}} {| class="wikitable" ! UV-filter ! Other names ! Maximum concentration ! Known permitting jurisdictions ! Results of safety testing ! UVA ! UVB |- | [[p-Aminobenzoic acid]] | PABA | 15% (USA), (EU: banned from sale to consumers from 8 October 2009) | USA | | | X |- | [[Padimate O]] | OD-PABA, octyldimethyl-PABA, Ο-PABA | 8% (USA, AUS) 10% (JP) (Not currently supported in EU and may be delisted) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | | | X |- | [[Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid]] | Ensulizole, PBSA | 4% (USA, AUS) 8% (EU) 3% (JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | | | X |- | [[Cinoxate]] | 2-Ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate | 3% (USA) 6% (AUS) | USA, AUS | | X | X |- | [[Dioxybenzone]] | Benzophenone-8 | 3% (USA) | USA, AUS | | X | X |- | [[Oxybenzone]] | Benzophenone-3 | 6% (USA), 2.2% (body) / 6% (face) EU,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) - OPINION on Benzophenone-3 |url=https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-08/sccs_o_247.pdf |website=European Commission - SCCS}}</ref> 10% AUS, | EU, USA, AUS | Banned in Hawaii since 2018<ref name="The banned sunscreen ingredients an"/> - "harmful to coral reefs, fish, and other ocean life"<ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Levine A |date=September 2019 |title=Sunscreen Use in Hawaii - AN ASSESSMENT OF BEACH-GOER USE OF SUNSCREEN PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2021 CHEMICAL BAN |url=https://www.kohalacenter.org/docs/reports/Sunscreen_Report_Sept2019.pdf |website=The Kohala Center |access-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007013029/https://www.kohalacenter.org/docs/reports/Sunscreen_Report_Sept2019.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | X | X |- | [[Homosalate]] | Homomethyl salicylate | 7.34% (EU) 15% (USA, AUS) | EU, USA, AUS | | | X |- | [[Menthyl anthranilate]] | Meradimate | 5% (USA) | USA, AUS | | X | |- | [[Octocrylene]] | Eusolex OCR, Parsol 340, 2-Cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylic acid, 2-ethylhexylester | 10% (USA) | EU, USA, AUS | | X | X |- | [[Octinoxate]] | Octyl-methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, 2-Ethylhexyl-paramethoxycinnamate | 7.5% (USA) 10% (EU, AUS) 20% (JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | Banned in [[Hawaii]] since 2021 - harmful to [[coral]]<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/07/02/hawaii-is-about-to-ban-your-favorite-sunscreen-to-protect-its-coral-reefs/?noredirect=on |title=Hawaii is about to ban your favorite sunscreen to protect its coral reefs |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608221936/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/07/02/hawaii-is-about-to-ban-your-favorite-sunscreen-to-protect-its-coral-reefs/?noredirect=on |url-status=live }}</ref> | | X |- | [[Octyl salicylate]] | Octisalate, 2-Ethylhexyl salicylate | 5% (EU, USA, AUS) 10% (JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | | | X |- | [[Sulisobenzone]] | 2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, 3-Benzoyl-4-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid, Benzophenone-4 | 5% (EU) 10% (USA, AUS, JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | | X | X |- | [[Avobenzone]] | 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-tert-butyl<br>phenyl)propane-1,3-dione, Butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane, | 3% (USA) 5% (EU, AUS) | EU, USA, AUS | | X | |- | [[Ecamsule]] | Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid | 10% | EU, AUS (US: approved in certain formulations up to 3% via New Drug Application (NDA) Route) | | X | |- | [[Titanium dioxide]] | CI77891, TiOβ | 25% (US) No limit (JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | [[Generally recognized as safe and effective]] by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]]<ref name="Center for Drug Evaluation and Research_2022">{{Cite journal | author = Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |date=2022-12-16 |title=Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen |url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924142839/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-posts-deemed-final-order-and-proposed-order-over-counter-sunscreen |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 24, 2021 |journal=FDA |language=en}}</ref> | | X |- | [[Zinc oxide]] | CI77947, ZnO | 25% (US) No limit (AUS, JP) | EU, USA, AUS, JP | [[Generally recognized as safe and effective]] by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]].<ref name="Center for Drug Evaluation and Research_2022" /> Protects against skin tumors in mice<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lautenschlager S, Wulf HC, Pittelkow MR |date=August 2007 |title=Photoprotection |journal=Lancet |volume=370 |issue=9586 |pages=528β537 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60638-2 |pmid=17693182 |s2cid=208794122}}</ref> | X | X |} Zinc oxide was approved as a UV filter by the EU in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32016R0621&from=EN|title=Amending Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products|date=2016-04-21|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|access-date=2017-03-22|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811184457/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32016R0621&from=EN|url-status=live}}</ref> Other ingredients approved within the EU<ref name="euregulation">{{cite journal |url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223&qid=1406148728060&from=EN |title=Regulation No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107015619/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223&qid=1406148728060&from=EN |url-status=live }}</ref> and other parts of the world,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tga.gov.au/publication/australian-regulatory-guidelines-sunscreens-args |title=Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Sunscreens |author=Australian Government: [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] |date=November 2012 |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928033417/https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/australian-regulatory-guidelines-sunscreens-args |url-status=dead }}</ref> that have not been included in the current FDA Monograph: {| class="wikitable" ! UV-filter ! Other names ! Maximum concentration ! Permitted in !Results of safety testing !UVA !UVB |- | [[4-Methylbenzylidene camphor]] | Enzacamene, MBC | 4%<sup>*</sup> | EU, AUS | | |X |- | [[Bisoctrizole]] | Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, MBBT | 10%<sup>*</sup> | EU, AUS, JP | |X |X |- | [[Bemotrizinol]] | Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenol triazine, BEMT, anisotriazine | 10% (EU, AUS) 3% (JP)<sup>*</sup> | EU, AUS, JP | |X |X |- | [[Tris-biphenyl triazine]] | | 10% | EU, AUS | |X |X |- | [[Trolamine salicylate]] | Triethanolamine salicylate | 12% | AUS | | |X |- | [[Drometrizole trisiloxane]] | | 15% | EU, AUS | |X |X |- | [[Benzophenone-n|Benzophenone-9]] | CAS 3121-60-6, Sodium Dihydroxy Dimethoxy Disulfobenzophenone <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.basf-korea.co.kr/02_products/04_finechemicals/document/cosmetic/tech/uvabsorber/down.asp?file=uvinulgrades.pdf |title=Uvinul Grades |access-date=2009-09-25 |archive-date=July 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731133525/http://www.basf-korea.co.kr/02_products/04_finechemicals/document/cosmetic/tech/uvabsorber/down.asp?file=uvinulgrades.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | 10% | JP | | | |- | [[Ethylhexyl triazone]] | octyl triazone, EHT | 5% (EU, AUS) 3% (JP)<sup>*</sup> | EU, AUS | | |X |- | [[Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate]] |Parsol DHHB, Uvinul A Plus b | 10% | EU, AUS, JP | |X | |- | [[Iscotrizinol]] | diethylhexyl butamido triazone, DBT | 10% (EU) 5% (JP)<sup>*</sup> | EU, JP | | |X |- | [[Polysilicone-15]] | Dimethico-diethylbenzalmalonate | 10% | EU, AUS, JP | | |X |- | [[Amiloxate]] | Isopentyl-4-methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, IMC | 10%<sup>*</sup> | EU, AUS | | |X |- |[[Methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate]] | |3% |EU | |X | |} <sup>*</sup> Time and Extent Application (TEA), Proposed Rule on FDA approval originally expected 2009, now expected 2015.{{Update inline|date=October 2023|reason=Still no news from FDA about approval in 2023}} Many of the ingredients awaiting approval by the FDA are relatively new, and developed to absorb UVA.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Kapes B |url=http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=169626 |title=Docs rally for better sun protection β Advances still unavailable in United States |journal=Dermatology Times |volume=26 |issue=7 |page=100 |date=July 2005 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407114700/http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=169626 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2014 [[Sunscreen Innovation Act]] was passed to accelerate the FDA approval process.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2141/all-actions |title=Sunscreen Innovation Act |date=November 26, 2014 |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=January 5, 2015 |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824070454/https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2141/all-actions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | vauthors = Sifferlin A |title=We're One Step Closer to Better Sunscreen |url=https://time.com/2992200/were-one-step-closer-to-better-sunscreen/ |magazine=Time |date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2014}}</ref>
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