Talking Points: Benzene contamination and sunscreen
Primary key messages
The Academy has developed key messages for dermatologists regarding the Valisure report that found the chemical benzene in some sunscreens.
While this report raises concerns, it’s important to note that this is one report, and the claims need to be validated.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates over-the-counter sunscreen products. We’ll know more once the FDA reviews this report and determines if the benzene levels detected exceed the FDA’s limits and how it should be addressed.
Dermatologists see the impact of overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays every day in our offices. It’s the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to practice safe sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and/or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.
I tell my patients who are concerned by this report and may not be comfortable wearing sunscreen right now to choose a sun-protection option they are comfortable with.
Frequently asked questions
1. An independent laboratory is calling on the FDA to issue a recall after detecting benzene, a known human carcinogen, in 78 sunscreen and after-sun products. As a dermatologist, what was your reaction to this report?
While this report raises concerns, it’s important to note that this is one report, and the claims need to be validated.
The FDA regulates over-the-counter sunscreen products. We’ll know more once the FDA reviews this report and determines if the benzene levels detected exceed the FDA’s limits and how it should be addressed.
I see the impact of overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays every day in my office. It’s the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and/or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.
I tell my patients who are concerned by this report and may not be comfortable wearing sunscreen right now to choose a sun-protection option they are comfortable with.
2. What is benzene — and what makes it a human carcinogen?
According to the CDC, benzene is a colorless, highly flammable chemical that is used widely in the U.S. to make products, including drugs, detergents, dyes, plastics and lubricants. It is also found naturally in gasoline and cigarette smoke.
According to the CDC, benzene can cause cells not to work correctly, and the seriousness depends on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as the age and preexisting medical condition of the exposed person.
It’s important to note that benzene shouldn’t be in sunscreens at all, and as such, it is not listed on the ingredient labels. It is unknown how benzene got into these sunscreen products and that’s what needs to be determined
What we do know is that overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays is a human carcinogen. It can cause skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to practice safe sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and/or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.
3. Which sunscreens were found to contain benzene?
As the authors of the report point out, the majority (73%) of the sunscreen products tested did not have benzene contamination.
While the report lists the sunscreens that were found to contain benzene, the claims need to be validated.
The FDA regulates over-the-counter sunscreen products. We’ll know more once the FDA reviews this report and determines if the benzene levels detected exceed the FDA’s limits and how it should be addressed.
What we do know is that overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to practice safe sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and/or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.
4. For my [readers/viewers] who really just want to avoid this contaminant, how can they do that if they still want to wear sunscreen?
It’s important to remember that sunscreen is one part of a comprehensive sun protection plan.
Many people don't realize that they can seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, as well as apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.
I tell my patients who are concerned by this report and may not be comfortable wearing sunscreen right now to choose a sun-protection option they are comfortable with.
5. Is sunscreen safe?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from UV. Claims that sunscreen ingredients are toxic or a hazard to human health have not been proven.
Because dermatologists see first-hand the impact that skin cancer has on patients and their families, the AAD recommends that everyone seek shade, wear protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence — which shows sunscreen is an effective way to reduce skin cancer risk — and current FDA regulations.
There are two types of sunscreens available — chemical and physical. Both protect you from the sun, but in different ways:
Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients: avobenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or oxybenzone.
Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, act like a shield. They sit on the surface of the skin, primarily deflecting the sun’s rays. They include the active ingredients titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide and are recommended for people with sensitive skin.
In 2020, the FDA announced that it will reevaluate the safety of every ingredient used in chemical sunscreens to determine whether its absorption into the bloodstream has any effects on a person’s health. (Just because an ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream does not mean that it is harmful or unsafe). The FDA continues to advise consumers to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s dangerous UV rays.
I tell my patients who may not be comfortable wearing sunscreen right now to choose a sun-protection option they are comfortable with.
6. What is the American Academy of Dermatology’s position on this issue? What is the AADA doing about this issue?
The AADA remains committed to the health and safety of the public.
It is encouraging the public to practice safe sun and looks forward to the FDA’s review of this report to determine if the benzene levels detected exceed the FDA’s limits in some sunscreens and if so, how it should be addressed.
7. Is homemade zinc oxide sunscreen a good alternative for families? Why or why not?
Sunscreen is not a DIY project! Most homemade sunscreens lack effective sun protection, leaving users vulnerable to sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.
Homemade sunscreens do not go through the rigorous testing required of commercial sunscreens by the FDA, which means that their SPF, water resistance, and shelf-life cannot be guaranteed.
In addition, due to inconsistencies in consumer preparation, the efficacy of homemade sunscreens may also vary between batches, putting users at risk for skin cancer.
For the most effective sun protection, I recommend that when outdoors, everyone seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and/or apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
8. What sunscreen should I use?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers:
Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
SPF 30 or higher
Water resistance
These types of sunscreens help to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.
However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable:
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Dress to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, you may wish to use a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, itching or bleeding on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early.
9. Will using sunscreen limit the amount of vitamin D I get?
No, studies show that regular use of sunscreen is unlikely to decrease your skin’s production of vitamin D. Because the amount of vitamin D a person receives from the sun is inconsistent and increases the risk of skin cancer, the AAD recommends getting vitamin D from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D, and/or vitamin D supplements.
If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamin D, you should discuss your options for getting vitamin D with your doctor.
10. Do you have anything else to add?
If you are concerned about the ingredients in your sunscreen, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to develop a sun-protection plan that works for you.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit AAD.org/findaderm.
