Sunscreens contain deadly substance, scientists say

Scientists at the Sorbonne University in France have shown that popular brands of sunscreens build up over time a substance called benzophenone, which can cause cell mutations, cancer, and endocrine disruption, Report informs with reference to the researchers’ article, published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology journal.

Experts have determined benzophenone concentrations in 17 sunscreens from nine French manufacturers, including Nivea, Garnier, LaRoche-Posay, and eight American firms, including Coppertone, Banana Leaf, and Neutrogena. All products except Nivea contained octocrylene, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Samples of creams were stored in an incubator for six weeks at 40 degrees Celsius at 75 percent relative humidity. It corresponds to the storage of the cream for a year at room temperature.

All 16 octocrylene-containing creams were found to have benzophenone at concentrations ranging from six to 186 micrograms per kilogram. Benzophenone is produced from octocrylene through a retro-aldol condensation reaction. Moreover, 70 percent of the benzophenone contained in creams can be absorbed through the skin.

The authors argue that products with octocrylene should be banned until proven safe.