What Chemicals Are in Sunscreen?

Sunscreens are widely recommended when in the sun to protect against cancer and other skin damages. However, there is now evidence that suggests that the chemicals in sunscreen may do more damage to your body than the sun itself. There is also evidence suggesting these chemicals get stored in your body and may have long-term effects such as increasing cancer rates. There is also suggestion that these chemicals are entering the water systems, including the ocean, and causing a bleaching effect to coral reefs, thus causing them to die.

Cinnamates

• Cinnamates found in sunscreen include: octyl methoxycinnamate, cinoxate, octocrylene and ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate. This group of chemicals absorbs ultraviolet rays.

Salicylates

• Octyl salicylate, ethylhexyl salicylate and homosalate are all salicylates found in sunscreen. The FDA uses homosalate to measure the Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

Padimate O

• Padimate O is an organic compound that absorbs ultraviolet rays. This chemical was initially widely used but due to consumer's allergic reactions and its ability to stain clothing, it has become less popular.

Octocrylene

• Octocrylene is able to be used in gel form in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet rays. This chemical must be combined with others to be effective.

Ensulizole

• This chemical found in sunscreens does not block all ultraviolet rays and is water soluble.

Avobenzone

• This chemical is absorbed through the skin easily and its effectiveness lasts about an hour.