Octocrylene: Its Advantages, Disadvantages, and Impact on the Environment
In the realm of sunscreen ingredients, octocrylene has gained significant attention due to its dual role as a protective agent for human skin and a potential threat to marine ecosystems.
Octocrylene, a thick, colorless ingredient, is a common component in sunscreens, lip balms, beauty balm creams, hair conditioners, and anti-aging creams. Known for its ability to boost the effectiveness of other sunscreen ingredients, it helps protect against short UVA and long UVB rays, offering shield against premature skin aging, signs of sun damage, and skin cancers.
However, concerns about the long-term effects of octocrylene on human health remain inconclusive. While some studies suggest potential endocrine disruption and carcinogenic risk from its degradation product, benzophenone, these findings are primarily based on high-dose animal studies, and no clear adverse effects have been proven at typical sunscreen use levels.
Environmentally, octocrylene is recognized as a pollutant, particularly in marine ecosystems. It can wash off into oceans, contributing to coral bleaching and harming marine life. Studies have shown that octocrylene can disrupt DNA, impair fish development, and affect the reproductive systems of aquatic species, including sea urchins and dolphins. This ecological impact has led to bans of octocrylene-containing sunscreens in regions with fragile marine habitats such as Hawaii and Palau.
Given these concerns, regulatory bodies like Australia’s TGA are considering reducing allowable concentrations of octocrylene and related chemicals in sunscreens, and ongoing public and scientific review continues. Usage advice emphasizes balanced sunscreen use for human protection while encouraging the development and choice of environmentally safer formulations.
People with sensitive skin or skin conditions, such as eczema, may prefer to avoid products containing octocrylene. Additionally, a patch test should be performed before using a product containing octocrylene for the first time, as it may cause allergic reactions.
Despite these concerns, octocrylene remains photostable, meaning its SPF remains stable after exposure to light. Furthermore, numerous companies add octocrylene to skin care products due to its ability to absorb harmful UV rays. Octocrylene is an oil-soluble liquid and an organic compound.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) states that octocrylene is safe in products containing concentrations of no more than 10%. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that concentrations of up to 10% octocrylene are safe.
However, the 2021 study expressed concern about the safety of octocrylene due to increasing benzophenone content in octocrylene-containing sunscreens over time. Additionally, numerous reports of photo contact allergy due to octocrylene have been found among adults who previously used topical products with ketoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
In a 2019 study, octocrylene was found to accumulate in corals in the form of fatty acid conjugates, which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction. This accumulation could potentially have long-term effects on coral health and reef ecosystems.
In conclusion, while octocrylene offers significant benefits in sunscreen formulations, its potential impact on human health and marine life necessitates continued research and the development of safer alternatives.
- Octocrylene, a common ingredient in skincare products like sunscreens, lip balms, and beauty balm creams, is also found in hair conditioners, anti-aging creams, and products related to health-and-wellness.
- Contrary to its wide usage in skincare, octocrylene has been recognized as a pollutant, particularly in marine ecosystems, contributing to issues such as coral bleaching and harming marine life.
- Environmental-science studies have shown that octocrylene can disrupt DNA, impair fish development, and affect the reproductive systems of aquatic species, leading to bans in regions with fragile marine habitats.
- Despite the environmental concerns, octocrylene remains photostable and is used by numerous companies in skin-care products due to its ability to absorb harmful UV rays.
- The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that octocrylene is safe in products containing concentrations of no more than 10%, yet ongoing studies express concerns about its long-term effects on human health and potential impacts on marine life.
