The idea of the need for alternative traditional sunscreens is not a popular view, yet their efficacious use is underestimated. Public demand is growing for a less toxic replacement to existing chemical products. Continued research into the impact of ultraviolet blockers on coral reefs and other marine ecosystems is a wakeup call and urges further investigation. Studies have shown some sunscreens cause disruptions to endocrine systems and DNA, posing similar threats to humans. 

A pilot study conducted by the FDA and published online in the American Medical Association Journal revealed some noteworthy results. The volunteers were instructed to use common sunscreens on 75% of their body four times a day for four days. The leading chemical blockers avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule were present and accumulated in the bloodstream at significant levels and continued to rise daily. This resulted in an increase in plasma levels exceeding the FDA’s established threshold of 0.5 nanograms (ng) per milliliter. While some may not find these levels alarming enough to warrant restrictions, for others, it signals a need for further studies. 

References

1. Keller, Amanda, Angela Perantoni, Sophia Steffens, Steven Lyle, and Tessa Oliaro. 2018. “Safer Sunscreens Nature’s Approach to UV Protection Partnered with Method.” https://bcgc.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/sunscreen_final-2018.pdf.
2. Petruk G, Del Giudice R, Rigano MM, Monti DM. Antioxidants from Plants Protect against Skin Photoaging. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Aug 2;2018:1454936. doi: 10.1155/2018/1454936. PMID: 30174780; PMCID: PMC6098906.