6% is the concentration of Oxybenzone in many Neutrogena sunscreens like the one shown. The European Commission has also very clearly stated that, “The use of Benzophenone-3 (another name for Oxybenzone) as a UV-filter up to a maximum concentration of 6% in sunscreen products, either in the form of body cream, sunscreen propellant spray or pump spray, is not safe for the consumer” (2). For sunscreen aerosol spray, the level was 180.1 ng/mL - or 360 times the FDA’s limit! (3).Īgain, absorption would not be a concern if Oxybenzone was some natural and safe ingredient, but given the health concerns, it absolutely should not be in sunscreens. Troublingly, after just a single application, the concentration of the toxic Oxybenzone in blood was found to be 258.1 ng/mL for sunscreen lotion - or 516 times the FDA’s limit. 0.5 nanograms per milliliter of Oxybenzone in blood. Given the potential toxicity and risks, the US Food and Drug Administration’s recommended limit for absorption of active ingredients including Oxybenzone is 0.5 ng/mL (3), i.e. Oxybenzone in Neutrogena makes its way into our bloodstreams - at unsafe levels - after just a single application: I also give my best mineral sunscreen recommendations here. Please Note: Here is my research article on what makes a safe yet effective sunscreen. According to EWG’s article here, Oxybenzone has been linked with allergic skin reactions (1, Rodriguez 2006), it acts as an endocrine disruptor in our bodies (1, Krause 2012, Ghazipura 2017) and is of the most concern to children (1, FDA 2019). There has been extensive research and studies done to understand the harmful effects of Oxybenzone. Let’s start with the Oxybenzone in the Neutrogena sunscreens - this one is a biggie. Oxybenzone has been constantly tied with: A. Reason 1: The Oxybenzone in Neutrogena sunscreens is highly toxic and is easily absorbed by the skin. We have done extensive research on the toxicity of ingredients present in the Neutrogena sunscreens and their ill health effects - look for all our sources at the bottom of this article. Let’s now get right into the ingredients of concern and the 7 reasons why Neutrogena sunscreens are NOT worth the UV protection. The more heinous health consequences are ones that are not immediately observed and are long term & accumulative - these include disruptions to our hormones and endocrine system, lower testosterone levels and even cancer. If there is one good thing about immediate adverse reactions after applying sunscreen - such as itching, swelling or hives - it’s that we know not to use that product again. The health effects include both immediate ones like allergic skin reactions and long term ones that are not immediately obvious. Neutrogena sunscreens pose health risks to humans and are harmful to our coral reefs. Unfortunately, chemical sunscreens like Neutrogena could be doing just as much harm with all their toxic ingredients that are easily absorbed into our bloodstream. When we have to - or want to - be outside during those high UV index hours, we have trusted sunscreen brands like Neutrogena to protect us from skin cancer and premature aging. This is especially true for those peak sun hours when the UV index is at its highest. Protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential. Potentially Harmful Ingredients in the Neutrogena Sunscreen to Avoid: Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone, BHT, Methylisothiazolinone, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide Why the Neutrogena labeling is misleading: Neutrogena fails to disclose that the “lightweight clean feel” of its chemical sunscreens come with an abundance of health & environmental concerns
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