Staying Sunscreen Safe: The Sunscreen Debacle (Benzene ... Each may pose hazards to human health. While benzene can enter the bloodstream through skin, aerosols sunscreens offer another pathway, through the lungs. PDF Safe List (Benzene Not Detected) Listed By Brand 11 best mineral sunscreens of 2021, according to ... The case centers on a May 2021 citizen petition filed by Valisure after the firm conducted testing on various sunscreen products, including Banana Boat sprays and . 5) develop guidance documents for the analysis of benzene in sunscreen products; 6) review and update the current FDA guidance "Q3C - Tables and List, Guidance for Industry" to include guidance for the acceptable concentration of benzene for drug products, such as sunscreens, that do not require benzene for manufacturing and do not We also recommend consulting with your medical aesthetician or dermatologist to identify products from trusted skincare lines that will be well-suited to your skin's overall needs. Study finds leukemia and other cancer causing benzene in 78 popular sunscreens. 06/07/2021 . While benzene is not a listed ingredient in any sunscreen, high levels of this chemical have recently been found in sunscreens as a result of manufacturing contamination. Benzene dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water. EWG scientists rated more than 1,800 sunscreens and other products with SPF. RELATED: 10 Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreens That Offer Protection Without Harming Coral Reefs "Yes, some sunscreens were found to be contaminated with benzene, but they were pulled off the market quickly. Among sunscreens, the highest average concentrations of benzene (2 ppm to 6 ppm) were in four sprays from the same brand -- although many other sprays and . And now, in 2021 a 3rd party tested the ingredients found in hundreds of popular sunscreens and found a significant portion contained a known carcinogen, benzene [ see report]. Reviewing the latest Benzene sunscreen scandal, what it means for the consumer and sharing the tested and verified safe sunscreens to use and the sunscreens . Benzene sunscreen claims. But let's make one thing clear upfront: Benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreen and never has been.This is an issue of manufacturing contamination, not sunscreen formulations that pose health risks. Sunscreens: Benzene Exposure Risk. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. These products typically include a combination of two to six of these active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone . Released: July 15, 2021. FDA guidance suggests that no level of benzene is safe, and it is not permitted in these or other products. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. The purpose of this testing was to determine if benzene was present in these . Finding benzene-free sunscreens. and more. While benzene is not a listed ingredient in any sunscreen, high levels of this chemical have recently been found in sunscreens as a result of manufacturing contamination. Mexoryl SX is a UV filter used in sunscreens and lotions across the globe. The key to a truly effective sunscreen is applying every 2 hours, or possibly more if you are swimming. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. The most common sunscreens on the market contain chemical filters. Our guide tells you which sunscreen products offer you the best protection and are free of concerning ingredients, such as oxybenzone. Experts still advocate for regular sunscreen use, citing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as two of the safest and most effective actives. They want the FDA to recall 40 sunscreen and after-sun care products found to contain the highest levels of benzene. Recalls were triggered after independent laboratory testing of 294 unique batches of popular sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 different companies detected elevated levels of benzene in 78 (or 27%) of the samples. The FDA takes seriously any safety concerns raised about products we regulate, including sunscreens. This level is more than 11 times below the recognized International guidance adopted by the U.S. FDA for benzene as a residual solvent in drug products. You can read the full Valisure report here, which includes the lists of sunscreens found to contain various levels of benzene, from harmless to questionable to toxic. The fact that the Valisure tests found trace amounts of benzene present in certain batches of sunscreen is because it is likely a contaminant. Yes, the sun protection you may apply to prevent cancer has been linked to actually causing cancer. "Just because those particular products do pose a risk, that doesn't erase the. What is the safest sunscreen to buy? Replace contaminated sunscreen with products that you can trust, referencing Valisure's "safe" list for products with no detectable benzene. Concerns about sunscreen safety, many entirely unfounded, continue to bubble up. The sunscreen chemicals tested include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate, and all six active ingredients tested readily absorbed into the bloodstream of humans in the study — and at concentrations that surpass an important FDA safety threshold. Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. The contaminated sunscreens include both chemical and mineral formulas. Valisure tested numerous sunscreen products, including five EltaMD sunscreens. The FDA takes seriously any safety concerns raised about products we regulate, including sunscreens. In the light of the news concerning the contamination of so many sunscreen brands with benzene, you may find that you are at a loss about what products to use now, especially if your skincare routine has been involving applying sunscreen regularly. RELATED: 10 Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreens That Offer Protection Without Harming Coral Reefs "Yes, some sunscreens were found to be contaminated with benzene, but they were pulled off the market quickly. Benzene was found in 43 out of 224 sunscreens and in 8 of 48 after-sun products. Benzene, a known human carcinogen per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been detected in several brands and batches of sunscreens at concentrations above the permitted 2 ppm, Valisure LLC reported.One industry insider noted, in NewBeauty, this is likely due to trace contaminants from organic UV filters, though not all products testing positive were sunscreens. Benzene in sunscreen . The petition requested that the FDA recall specific batches of certain sunscreen products containing benzene on the basis that they are adulterated under section 501 of the Federal Drug and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA") and misbranded under section 502 of the FDCA. Each uses a different mechanism for protecting skin and maintaining stability in sunlight. Safe List (Benzene Not Detected) Listed By Brand • 365 by Whole Foods Market Clear Spray Sunscreen Light Coconut Scent SPF 50 • 365 by Whole Foods Market Kids Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 50 • Alba Botanica Baby Clear Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Hypoallergenic SPF 50+ • Alba Botanica Cool Sport Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 50 The FDA considers benzene a "Class 1 Solvent" and outlaws its use in most cosmetics and most medical products. The great sunscreen safe-or-not-safe debate continues There is a way to find safe sunscreens, but there's a little homework involved. (They've compiled a complete list of affected items with batch numbers here . "There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products," stated Dr. Christopher Bunick, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, in Valisure's press release . Based on that, it's safe to select a sunscreen from the list of options that Valisure didn't detect any benzene in, among them the below SPFs from Neutrogena, Aveeno, La Roche-Posay, CVS Health,. Each uses a different mechanism for protecting skin and maintaining stability in sunlight. They want the FDA to recall 40 sunscreen and after-sun care products found to contain the highest levels of benzene. Avoiding sunscreen over benzene concerns could prove more harmful than exposure to trace amounts of benzene itself. The TGA is working with sponsors to investigate the source of benzene. "There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products," said Dr. Christopher Bunick, associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, in Valisure's press release. Review the full list of products that tested positive for benzene and their ppm levels to be sure the sunscreen you are using this summer is safe. It's worth noting that benzene isn't an ingredient in any of the sunscreens tested (or any sunscreens at all, for that matter)—rather, it's a byproduct of the manufacturing process that's often detectable in raw materials derived from petrochemicals and petroleum and can be found in trace amounts in some synthetic fragrances. Edgewell Personal Care Australia Pty Ltd is recalling all batches of the following 'Banana Boat' sunscreen sprays (aerosol sunscreen) because benzene has been detected in 4 batches of the products supplied in Australia.. Benzene is not an ingredient in any of P&G's products, but a review found unexpected levels of the carcinogen in the propellant that sprays the product from the can, the company said. In one of the five EltaMD products, UV Aero SPF 45, they reported finding 0.11 to 0.17 parts per million of benzene. The best mineral sunscreens and zinc oxide sunscreens of 2021 include mineral face sunscreen and tinted mineral sunscreen from Sun Bum, Supergoop! The sunscreen products may have unknowingly been contaminated with benzene during manufacturing, as the chemical is used as an industrial solvent. This report is not a reason to toss all your sunscreens and go out into the world unprotected from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens are still relatively new. In July, Johnson & Johnson recalled some Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens after low levels of benzene were found in products. Sunscreens are still relatively new. Ava Isa. Several common household brands — including Sun Bum, Neutrogena, Banana Boat, and CVS-brand sunscreen — were all found to contain unsafe levels of benzene, according to Valisure's test. Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from the deadly effects of UV radiation, not cause cancer or other life-threatening conditions. "Even . Recently, levels of benzene were detected in a number of popular sunscreens and sun care products due to contamination. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. SHOP NOW. The most common sunscreens on the market contain chemical filters. Benzene is a dangerous, colorless or light-yellow liquid chemical used in a variety of industrial and household products. While benzene can enter the bloodstream through skin, aerosols sunscreens offer another pathway, through the lungs. Benzene in Sunscreen Lawsuits. Of the 78 batches with detectable levels, 40 products were found to have "significantly detected" levels of benzene. Recent findings by Valisure labs found that many household sunscreens contain benzene—prompting J&J's recall of Aveeno and Neutrogena. Which sunscreens were found to contain benzene? Valisure, a pharmaceutical laboratory that tests products for consumer safety, found that 78 sunscreens and after sun care products were contaminated with benzene.Levels of benzene ranged from low to very very high.. You will see many familiar and popular brands listed as benzene contaminated including brands that strive to be natural and have a commitment to safety. On May 25, 2021 a pharmaceutical testing company, Valisure, found that 78 sunscreen and sun care products contained benzene, a known carcinogen that has been linked to cancer and other illnesses. Of these, 32 of the 40 most contaminated products (80%) were sprays with levels of benzene greater than 0.1 ppm. Every Think product, especially our non toxic sunscreens, are rigorously tested and vetted to prevent our customers from being exposed to biologically harmful chemicals. We definitely shouldn't avoid sunscreens. The results show that our sunscreens do not contain benzene with the exception of the Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (SKU 99200). The latest are stemming from a study by Valisure, an independent, for-profit pharmacy and research testing lab . Benzene contaminations aside, sunscreen is still safe and recommended for daily use. Each may pose hazards to human health. Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters. There are plenty of safe and effective mineral formulas available to protect your face and body from sun damage and the common signs of aging. The results varied from batch to batch, even within a single brand. While Bare Republic was found to NOT contain benzene, here's our take on what this means for sunscreen safety, ingredients, and your sun routine. But let's make one thing clear upfront: Benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreen and never has been.This is an issue of manufacturing contamination, not sunscreen formulations that pose health risks. The three products being recalled are: Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 206508 Since our March 2021 article, " Testing Shows High Levels of Benzene Found In Hand Sanitizers ", more research has shown the carcinogen benzene contaminated 78 different sunscreens and sun care products. Missing 9-year-old in Pelzer found safe Man, 45, arrested for . The important piece of it is that the companies did not know that those things were in their sunscreens. Spray sunscreen in particular has garnered notable attention recently after Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled five sunblocks containing "low levels" of benzene, a carcinogen that can be . "There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products," stated Dr. Christopher Bunick, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, in Valisure's press release . These SPF formulas do not contain oxybenzone, a common chemical sunscreen ingredient that contributes to coral bleaching in places like Hawaii and the Caribbean. Safe Sunscreen Guidelines. Nearly 80 sunscreen products were found to contain toxic levels of benzene, a known carcinogen.Among these, Neutrogena products made up 10 of the 14 batches with the highest concentrations of benzene. Certain batches were found to contain up to three times the FDA limits for benzene. The total mass of sunscreen required to cover and protect the human body, in single daily application or repeated applica-tions daily, means that even benzene at 0.1 ppm in a sunscreen could expose people to excessively high nanogram amounts of benzene."5 Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters. The FDA has no safe limit for benzene, but it does allow 2 parts per million (ppm) if use is "unavoidable in order to produce a product with therapeutic benefits." But benzene isn't necessary for sunscreen production, so it shouldn't contain any benzene. Is sunscreen safe? Dr. Mariwalla likes this mineral-based sunscreen because it's powered . Benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreens. Are Benzene Contaminated Sunscreens Safe to Use? In late May, Valisure, an independent quality assurance company in New Haven, Conn., detected high levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen, in 78 sunscreen and after-sun care products.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreen as a drug product and after-sun products as a cosmetic. A petition has been initiated to recall sunscreen products including Neutrogena, Aveeno, and other well-known . It is also used in the extraction of oils from seeds. You can read the full Valisure report here, which includes the lists of sunscreens found to contain various levels of benzene, from harmless to questionable to toxic. $45.00. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas. Benzene can impact holistic health by increasing the risk for certain cancers and blood disorders, and experts caution against using sunscreen containing the carcinogen. An independent pharmacy has detected high levels of benzene—a known carcinogen— in several brands and batches of popular sunscreens and after-sun care products. The lawsuit claims the Banana Boat sunscreens are unsuitable for human application given there is, according to the World Health Organization, "no safe level of benzene" exposure. Furthermore, 14 of the products contained up to 3 times the allowable FDA concentration limit of 2 parts per million (ppm) (1). Exposure to benzene in . Short-term. Benzene, the contaminant Valisure detected in the 78 products, is a component of gasoline and a frequently used solvent for rubber and waxes. In their study, Valisure also released an exhaustive list of more than 200 sunscreen products for which benzene was not detected, which you can view here. It has abilities to block UVA1 rays, which are the longwave rays that spur skin aging.. A . We definitely shouldn't avoid sunscreens. Shop our top reef-safe sunscreen . It is not an ingredient in sunscreens but is suspected to be a contaminant from raw materials used in the product's manufacture. Disturbingly, numerous popular sunscreen brands have recently been found to contain benzene, a very harmful chemical. A new study by Valisure LLC examined sunscreen and after-sun care products and found that 78 of them contained high levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen — which means it is known to cause . "There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products," Christopher Bunick, MD,. Christie Clinic dermatologist Will Miller, PA-C, said sunscreen is still … Found in chemical sunscreens. The FDA is seeking more information about the potential risks from common sunscreen ingredients. The products—including several of the company's Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens—were recalled in July after tests by Johnson & Johnson detected benzene in multiple samples. The formula is also lightly tinted, water-resistant, and oil-free. Read more at the Bare Republic blog. Benzene is specifically associated with blood cancers such as leukemia, making absorption through the skin particularly concerning as there have been multiple studies by FDA researchers showing that chemicals in sunscreen products are found in the blood at high levels after application to the skin. Dr. Daniel: So benzene is a compound that is usually produced in . Benzene is a volatile chemical compound that can impact immediate health and influence cancer risk; health experts worry that benzene-contaminated sunscreens pose a risk for unintentional absorption over time.