![]() Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun are damaging to our skin. Therefore, sun protection is necessary at all times except during the dark.” “We are exposed to UV rays at all times, even on cloudy, overcast days. We don’t have to deliberately lay in the sun to be exposed to UV rays,” Dr. “It’s not just about putting sunscreen on when you go to the beach. Sunscreen use is still very important for preventing skin cancer! While concerning, the recall of sunscreens found to have benzene should not stop us from using sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin and be sure to reapply as often as indicated on your product. “The important thing to remember with those is that those are SPF 50 at most, so you’ll need to apply it more often.” They’re less likely to cause allergic reactions, like rashes, that some people find they get from a chemical sunscreen,” notes Dr. Bullard suggests a mineral sunblock that’s made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If you want to avoid chemicals altogether, Dr. Choose one that says it “goes on clear” if you worry about the opaque residue some leave behind. Lotion-based sunscreens may contain chemical ingredients but haven’t been found to contain benzene. Resources like Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group have shared test results and recommendations on a number of brands. The best sunscreen for your skin depends on a lot of factors, including how much sun you’re exposed to and any allergies you may have. These are the products that have been most associated with benzene contamination. ![]() While the risks aren’t clearly known yet, the safest route, for now, is to avoid spray-style sunblock, Dr. The FDA is also evaluating the cause of the contamination and proactively working with companies and retailers to remove products from shelves as needed. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates sunscreen, has released updated guidance about the risk of benzene contamination. Scientists are working to answer further questions, such as whether benzene can be absorbed by your skin and how much benzene-containing sunscreen would place someone at higher risk.” “At this point, we know that benzene pollutants in the environment can be dangerous. “Research regarding the risk of using sunscreen with some levels of benzene is ongoing,” Dr. The theory being tested is that certain compounds present in spray propellants may mix to form benzene.Īdvertising Policy Is benzene in sunscreen dangerous? It isn’t clear exactly how it came to be there. The good news is, benzene wasn’t intentionally added to sunscreen. Long-term exposure to benzene can lessen your ability to fight off infection and lead to fertility issues, anemia (low red blood cell count) and leukemia (a cancer of the blood). ![]() High levels of benzene exposure are likely for people who work at gas stations, as well as firefighters, steel workers, printers and other occupations. Your indoor air may also expose you to some benzene, as it can be found in glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents. We’re all exposed to low levels of benzene from outdoor pollutants, such as vehicle exhaust. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that benzene is commonly used for industrial purposes as well - in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, pesticides and more. The chemical benzene is found naturally in things like gas, crude oil and cigarette smoke. Her advice was clear: “Don’t stop using sunscreen!” What is benzene? We spoke with dermatologist Sherrie Bullard, MD, about the risks of benzene in sunscreen, and what you should do to protect yourself and your skin. Initial reports from the 2021 sunscreen recall show benzene concentrations in some recalled products were higher than 6 parts per million. Researchers say that any detectable levels of benzene in sunscreen up to 2 parts per million should be cause for concern. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. ![]()
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