Oxybenzone 

Oxybenzone is a chemical also known as benzophenone-3 [1]. It is found in many sunscreens, hair products and in lesser quantities in nail polish [2].  It is used in sunscreen mainly because it very effective when it comes to blocking ultraviolet rays from penetrating our skin [3].  Although it is useful when it comes to blocking ultraviolet rays from damaging our skin, which can eventually lead to skin cancer, it has its side effects. Studies have shown that oxybenzone doesn’t remain on the surface of the skin. It is able to enter our bloodstream and gets excreted in the urine [1].  Studies in rats have shown that “oxybenzone and its metabolites [concentrated] in the liver, kidney, spleen and testes and to a lesser extent in the intestine, stomach, muscle, heart and adrenal glands” [3]. Researches have also found oxybenzone in water stream. This resulted to further research to see how it affects animals that lives in water and plants. They found that oxybenzone to be responsible for dying off of coral reefs [3]. Some think oxybenzone is ineffective and harmful [4] and if that’s the case then why is it still used? If we want to protect our skin from sun damage and ourselves from skin cancer, we need to look for alternatives. The alternative might be to avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone and turn into a mineral base [5] or organic sunscreens. If that is option is not available, try finding sunscreens with a minimal concentration of oxybenzone.

Reference

 [1] Drugbank. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27,2015, from http://www.drugbank.ca /drugs/DB01428

 [2] O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1245

 [3] Burnett, M. E., & Wang, S. Q. (2011). Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 27(2), 58-67. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00557.x

 [4] Environmental working group. (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704372/OXYBENZONE/

  [5] Loux, R. (2012). Retrieved on February 26, 2015, from http://www .womenshealthmag.com/beauty/6-scary-sunscreen-ingredients-and-6-safe-spf-products