The oxybenzone-containing sunscreen ban: A formula for future skin cancers?
By Giselle Prado
A ban on the usage of oxybenzone, a common, inexpensive ingredient found in most sunscreens, has been signed into law in Hawaii and goes into effect in January 2021. This oxybenzone-containing sunscreen ban will make more than 70 percent of the currently available sunscreens unavailable to residents and visitors in Hawaii.
An article published Sept. 11 in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine states that the science does not have enough evidence to support an outright ban on oxybenzone.
Rachel Mirsky and colleagues state, in their opinion, “there is laboratory evidence to suggest oxybenzone has negative environmental effects, but these experiments were not representative of real-world conditions and thus results are inconclusive.” The authors recognize the importance of further research, but they contend that the overwhelming evidence that shows regular sunscreen use can prevent skin cancer suggests that this ban may be harmful in the future.
They thoroughly analyze several key questions in the oxybenzone debate. Is oxybenzone the reason for coral bleaching? Is there data to suggest that oxybenzone is harmful to humans? Why is oxybenzone used in the majority of U.S. sunscreens? And are there other potential problems with oxybenzone restrictions that could lead to more skin cancer in the future?
Supporters of the law claim that oxybenzone causes damage to the coral reefs around Hawaii. Opponents of the law call into question the validity of the scientific studies done to show that oxybenzone might damage coral reefs. Given these controversies, it is critical that the public has a clear understanding of the underlying issues related to oxybenzone.
After a careful review of the evidence, the authors conclude that, in their opinion, there is little definitive scientific research supporting the associated concerns. Given the benefits of oxybenzone-containing sunscreens in skin cancer prevention, this ban is premature. In addition, they suggest that banning an ingredient commonly used in most sunscreens may lead to confusion among consumers and have the untoward outcome of less sunscreen being used overall leading to a potential future skin cancer increase.
SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine is a peer-reviewed online medical journal that is the official journal of The National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. The mission of SKIN is to provide an enhanced and accelerated route to disseminate new dermatologic knowledge for all aspects of cutaneous disease. For more details please visit jofskin.org or contact jofskin@gmail.com.
Giselle Prado works for the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine.
The viewpoints expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Independent.
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The article states that “the overwhelming evidence that shows regular sunscreen use can prevent skin cancer suggests that this ban may be harmful in the future.” Unfortunately, that statement is not true and is soundly refuted by the latest meta-analysis by Elizabet saes da Silva and colleagues writing in the European Journal of Dermatology (Eur J Dermatol 2018;28(2):186). This research involved 29 studies on the subject and comes to the conclusion that there is no protective effect against skin cancer with the use of sunscreen.
I will add that during the period from 1935 until now, sun exposure has decreased by about 90% and melanoma has increased by 3,000%. Sunscreen use has also increased exponentially during that time. Hawaii is definitely taking the correct action.
In addition, late research has also shown that sunscreen use is closely associated with increased risk of sunburn (Casey Morris, 2018.JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Aug 1;154(8):897-902.) The research stated that Among 15 992 sun-sensitive individuals, those who used only sunscreen to protect against excessive sun exposure had the highest likelihood of sunburn (62.4%). In addition, among non-sun sensitive individuals, “the highest likelihood of sunburn was among those who only reported sunscreen use (26.2%). Among those who reported other sun-protective behaviors, the likelihood of sunburn was 6.6%. In other words, those who used sunscreens had four times the risk of sunburns as those who used other methods of sun protection–we might say common-sense protections–such as seeking shade, wearing a hat, and wearing protective clothing. Sunscreens are one of the biggest frauds perpetrated on the American public.
We in Saint George, Utah live in the sunniest area of the state, and should take advantage daily of safe, non-burning sun exposure.
For more information and references on sunscreen, as well as the vital need for sun exposure, visit sunlightinstitute.org. Or, read my new book, Embrace the Sun, available at Amazon
As a follow-up on my previous comment, I believe I should make you aware of how vitally important regular, non-burning sun exposure is for human health. Consider the following:
•Seventy-five percent of melanoma occurs on areas of the body that are seldom or never exposed to sun.
•Women who sunbathe regularly have half the risk of death during a 20-year period compared to those who stay indoors.
•A Spanish study shows that women who seek the sun have one-eleventh the hip-fracture risk as those who avoid sun.
•Men who work outdoors have half the risk of melanoma as those who work indoors.
• An Iranian study showed that Women who avoid the sun have 10-times the risk of breast cancer as those who embrace the sun.
•Women who sunbathe regularly have half the risk of death during a 20-year period compared to those who avoid the sun.
•Sun exposure increases nitric oxide production, which leads to a decrease in heart disease risk.
•Sun exposure dramatically improves mood through the production of serotonin and endorphin.
•Sun exposure increases the production of BDNF, essential to a properly functioning nervous system.
•There has also been an 8,300% increase in vitamin D deficiency in children since 2000, which is likely due to insufficient time playing outdoors and/or sunscreen use.
More information and references: sunlightinstitute.org. Or, read Dr. Marc Sorenson’s new book, Embrace the Sun, available at Amazon.
As a follow-up to my previous comment, I would like to emphasize that sun exposure is vital to human health, and that sunscreen use can decrease vitamin D production by the skin up to 99%. Consider the healthful effects of Southern Utah sun exposure on health:
•Seventy-five percent of melanoma occurs on areas of the body that are seldom or never exposed to sun.
•Women who sunbathe regularly have half the risk of death during a 20-year period compared to those who stay indoors.
•A Spanish study shows that women who seek the sun have one-eleventh the hip-fracture risk as those who avoid sun.
•Men who work outdoors have half the risk of melanoma as those who work indoors.
• An Iranian study showed that Women who avoid the sun have 10-times the risk of breast cancer as those who embrace the sun.
•Women who sunbathe regularly have half the risk of death during a 20-year period compared to those who avoid the sun.
•Sun exposure increases nitric oxide production, which leads to a decrease in heart disease risk.
•Sun exposure dramatically improves mood through the production of serotonin and endorphin.
•Sun exposure increases the production of BDNF, essential to a properly functioning nervous system.
•There has also been an 8,300% increase in vitamin D deficiency in children since 2000, which is likely due to insufficient time playing outdoors and/or sunscreen use.
More information and references: sunlightinstitute.org. Or, read Dr. Marc Sorenson’s new book, Embrace the Sun, available at Amazon.
This reads like it was written by the lobbyists who rallied against Hawaii’s ground-breaking legislation. There is plenty of clear, well-reviewed evidence supporting oxybenzone’s environmental toxicity, with sufficient data for the FDA to review on human toxicity as well. Yes, it will be costly for mainstream manufacturers to reformulate, but it is absolutely the right thing to do. Because the government and industry will be slow to legislate, consumers need to be educated to READ their ingredient labels and avoid ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens.
It is ignorant to say there aren’t suitable consumer alternatives like Stream2Sea and the other members of the Safe Sunscreen Alliance. Our products may not be as convenient as an aerosol SPF gazillion, but those aren’t healthy and shouldn’t be legal anyway.
I applaud Hawaii for taking a lead to protect their consumers and aquatic resources, a lead that Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, Palau, and other island nations are following. For the rest of the world, we need to advocate change by education in lieu of legislation.
EcoConsciously,
Autumn Blum
Formulator & Founder
http://www.stream2sea.com
The following is a response to the conclusions that the authors of the study made at the end of their paper that you based the above story on:
1) “There is strong data to support sunscreen usage lowers skin cancer risk.” There is no such data that scientifically supports this statement – this is opinion! In fact the American Cancer Society and World Health Organization literature strongly disagrees with this statement based on their research.
2) “There is laboratory evidence to suggest oxybenzone has negative environmental effects, but these experiments were not representative of real-world conditions and thus results are inconclusive.” NOAA who is responsible for US coral, submitted testimony to Hawaii stating that oxybenzone is toxic to coral based on their research and in fact, no additional testing is necessary to prove that point.
3) “If a patient is concerned about possible environmental effects, they may use inorganic sunscreens, but they should be counseled about the associated disadvantages.” As long as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide are not in “nano-particle form” there are no disadvantages … efficacy, esthetics or otherwise.
4) “Sunscreens are one part of a total sun-protection package that includes avoiding the midday sun and using sun-protective clothing.” In fact sunscreens should be the last part of this 3 part regime.
5) “The optimal sunscreen is one that patients will use consistently, keeping in mind cost and cosmetic acceptability.” Technically, this is the only accurate statement in the article.
Lastly, Dr. Rigel – a co-author on the paper – worked or works for Neutrogena which is owned by J&J the largest sunscreen manufacturer in the US … this article is one-sided and in conflict with “real science” and based on “alternative facts” to support big industry who roughly sell $10 billion a year in sunscreens globally.