A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that ingredients in some chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream in levels high enough to warrant additional research. Mineral sunscreens, although not evaluated in this study, have not been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
So, are the chemicals in sunscreen harmful? Should parents be concerned? Here, pediatric dermatology providers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) explain the study’s findings and offer guidance on how parents should respond.
The important thing to remember is that while this data highlights a need for further investigation of sunscreens, there are already very real proven health risks if someone is over-exposed to sunlight, including sunburns, skin damage and skin cancers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which conducted the study, specifically advises people to continue to use sunscreen while additional research is done.
This was a preliminary study, with just 24 test subjects, all of them adults, and it only looked at whether the ingredients in chemical sunscreens were absorbed through the skin under maximal use conditions (i.e. applied to 75% of the body four times per day for four consecutive days), not whether the chemicals caused harm. While it’s good to be aware of this kind of research, it’s important not to overreact. If you are concerned about chemical sunscreen absorption, then mineral sunscreens are recommended, as they have not been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Sunscreen types
There are two main types of sunscreen, and each protects the skin in different ways.
- Chemical sunscreens, the subject of the FDA study, absorb the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a sponge. On the labels of these sunscreens you’ll see such active ingredients as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate.
- Physical (or mineral) sunscreens block and reflect the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a shield. On the labels of these sunscreens, you’ll find titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or both, listed as the active ingredients. These sunscreens may leave a visible white coating when applied to the skin. Tinted options are also available, which blend into different skin tones more naturally and have the added benefit of blocking visible light.
What sunscreens are safe for kids?
Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using physical or mineral sunscreens (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) with young children and anyone with sensitive skin or eczema. They also caution against using spray-application sunscreen, which might be inhaled.
In children younger than 6 months, sun avoidance is preferred (see "Ways to limit sun exposure" below). If sunscreen is needed, then mineral sunscreen is recommended, and it should be washed off once indoors.
Chemical sunscreens are still considered safe for older children and people with healthy skin. The use of any sunscreen is safer than unprotected exposure to the sun. Chemical sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Sunscreens with SPF of 30-60 are preferred over lower SPFs.
All sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours or sooner if swimming and/or sweating.
Future research may show that some of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens are safer than others. For example, oxybenzone has been found in other studies to be associated with (but not necessarily to cause) lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys. It has also been found in breast milk. However, oxybenzone has been used in sunscreens for decades without reported absorption-related side effects in humans. The sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate is banned in Hawaii, Key West, and the U.S. Virgin Islands because of their harmful effects on coral reefs. If visiting areas with coral reefs, it is recommended to use mineral sunscreens.
Ways to limit sun exposure
The other thing to remember is that sunscreen is just one of the ways to protect against sun exposure. More tips for parents:
- Plan your child’s time outdoors to avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade or go indoors during these hours.
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight at all times, even early and late in the day.
- Dress your child in sun-protective clothing, made of light but tightly woven fabrics that block UV rays.
- Have your child wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face and neck.
- Have your child wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
More information on sunscreen safety
- Is sunscreen safe? (The American Academy of Dermatology)
- Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun (Food and Drug Administration)
- The importance of sun protection (The Society for Pediatric Dermatology)
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A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that ingredients in some chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream in levels high enough to warrant additional research. Mineral sunscreens, although not evaluated in this study, have not been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
So, are the chemicals in sunscreen harmful? Should parents be concerned? Here, pediatric dermatology providers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) explain the study’s findings and offer guidance on how parents should respond.
The important thing to remember is that while this data highlights a need for further investigation of sunscreens, there are already very real proven health risks if someone is over-exposed to sunlight, including sunburns, skin damage and skin cancers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which conducted the study, specifically advises people to continue to use sunscreen while additional research is done.
This was a preliminary study, with just 24 test subjects, all of them adults, and it only looked at whether the ingredients in chemical sunscreens were absorbed through the skin under maximal use conditions (i.e. applied to 75% of the body four times per day for four consecutive days), not whether the chemicals caused harm. While it’s good to be aware of this kind of research, it’s important not to overreact. If you are concerned about chemical sunscreen absorption, then mineral sunscreens are recommended, as they have not been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Sunscreen types
There are two main types of sunscreen, and each protects the skin in different ways.
- Chemical sunscreens, the subject of the FDA study, absorb the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a sponge. On the labels of these sunscreens you’ll see such active ingredients as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate.
- Physical (or mineral) sunscreens block and reflect the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a shield. On the labels of these sunscreens, you’ll find titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or both, listed as the active ingredients. These sunscreens may leave a visible white coating when applied to the skin. Tinted options are also available, which blend into different skin tones more naturally and have the added benefit of blocking visible light.
What sunscreens are safe for kids?
Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using physical or mineral sunscreens (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) with young children and anyone with sensitive skin or eczema. They also caution against using spray-application sunscreen, which might be inhaled.
In children younger than 6 months, sun avoidance is preferred (see "Ways to limit sun exposure" below). If sunscreen is needed, then mineral sunscreen is recommended, and it should be washed off once indoors.
Chemical sunscreens are still considered safe for older children and people with healthy skin. The use of any sunscreen is safer than unprotected exposure to the sun. Chemical sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Sunscreens with SPF of 30-60 are preferred over lower SPFs.
All sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours or sooner if swimming and/or sweating.
Future research may show that some of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens are safer than others. For example, oxybenzone has been found in other studies to be associated with (but not necessarily to cause) lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys. It has also been found in breast milk. However, oxybenzone has been used in sunscreens for decades without reported absorption-related side effects in humans. The sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate is banned in Hawaii, Key West, and the U.S. Virgin Islands because of their harmful effects on coral reefs. If visiting areas with coral reefs, it is recommended to use mineral sunscreens.
Ways to limit sun exposure
The other thing to remember is that sunscreen is just one of the ways to protect against sun exposure. More tips for parents:
- Plan your child’s time outdoors to avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade or go indoors during these hours.
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight at all times, even early and late in the day.
- Dress your child in sun-protective clothing, made of light but tightly woven fabrics that block UV rays.
- Have your child wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face and neck.
- Have your child wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
More information on sunscreen safety
- Is sunscreen safe? (The American Academy of Dermatology)
- Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun (Food and Drug Administration)
- The importance of sun protection (The Society for Pediatric Dermatology)
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