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A recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns that nearly 80% of over 2,000 U.S. sunscreen products reviewed fail to meet safety, health, and effectiveness standards.
The FDA has identified 12 active ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens that currently lack sufficient safety data to be classified as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE). While these ingredients are still permitted in products on the U.S. market despite their potential health and environmental impacts, including hormonal disruption, skin irritation, and ecological harm to name a few.
Did you know that only 2 out of 16 sunscreen ingredients are deemed safe by the FDA? Guess which 2 ingredients Potency No. 710 uses in our SPF formulations? You guessed it!
What you won’t find are any of the following which are being reevaluated by the FDA.
“A recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns that nearly 80% of over 2,000 U.S. sunscreen products reviewed fail to meet safety, health, and effectiveness standards.”
The FDA has identified 12 active ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens that currently lack sufficient safety data to be classified as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE). While these ingredients are still permitted in products on the U.S. market pending further evaluation, concerns have been raised regarding their potential health and environmental impacts, including hormonal disruption, skin irritation, and ecological harm. Below is an overview of each ingredient and the associated concerns:
Avobenzone is a widely used UVA filter known for its ability to absorb a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light. However, it is chemically unstable and can degrade upon sun exposure, potentially leading to the formation of harmful byproducts. Studies have also indicated that avobenzone can be absorbed through the skin, and the FDA has called for additional safety data to fully assess its effects.
Oxybenzone is effective in absorbing UVB and short UVA rays but has been linked to hormone disruption in humans and coral reef bleaching in marine environments. Due to these concerns, regions like Hawaii and Thailand have banned its use in sunscreens to protect coral reefs.
Octinoxate, also known as octyl methoxycinnamate, is a UVB filter that has been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor in some studies. It is also known to contribute to coral reef damage, leading to bans in certain areas.
Octocrylene is used for its stability and ability to absorb UVB and short UVA rays. However, it can accumulate in aquatic environments and has been associated with allergic reactions. The European Commission has raised concerns about its safety at high concentrations.
Homosalate is a UVB filter that may disrupt hormones and accumulate in the body over time. The European Commission has recommended limiting its concentration in sunscreens due to potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
Octisalate is used to stabilize other sunscreen ingredients and provide additional UVB protection. While it is generally considered to have a lower risk profile, the FDA has requested more data to confirm its safety, particularly regarding systemic absorption.
Cinoxate is an older UVB filter that is rarely used in modern formulations. Due to limited contemporary research and usage, the FDA requires more data to determine its safety and efficacy.
Dioxybenzone is a UVB and short UVA filter that has been known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Its potential to penetrate the skin and the lack of comprehensive safety data have led to calls for further evaluation.
Ensulizole is a UVB filter that is water-soluble and often used in lighter formulations. However, it may produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, potentially leading to skin damage. Additional studies are needed to fully understand its safety profile.
Meradimate is a UVA filter with limited data on its safety and efficacy. The FDA has indicated that more research is necessary to determine whether it can be considered safe and effective for use in sunscreens.
Padimate O is a derivative of PABA and functions as a UVB absorber. Concerns have been raised about its potential to cause DNA damage upon sunlight exposure, though in vivo studies have shown mixed results. The FDA requires more comprehensive data to assess its safety.
Sulisobenzone absorbs both UVB and short UVA rays but may penetrate the skin and disrupt hormonal activity. Due to insufficient safety data, the FDA has requested further studies to evaluate its risk profile.
While these ingredients are not currently banned, their ongoing review by the FDA underscores the importance of choosing sunscreens with well-established safety profiles.
In the realm of sun protection, the FDA has classified only two active ingredients as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE): zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These mineral-based compounds are lauded for their safety profiles and efficacy in shielding the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that offers comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV radiation, zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. This broad-spectrum coverage is particularly effective in preventing sunburn, premature aging, and long-term skin damage. Moreover, zinc oxide is non-comedogenic and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Its gentle nature also renders it safe for use on infants and individuals with skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
Titanium dioxide is another mineral sunscreen agent recognized by the FDA as GRASE. It primarily protects against UVB and short-wave UVA rays by reflecting and scattering them. While its UVA protection is not as extensive as that of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is often used in combination with zinc oxide to enhance overall UV coverage. It is also non-comedogenic and gentle on the skin, making it a favorable option for those with sensitive skin.
Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are photostable, meaning they do not degrade upon sun exposure, ensuring consistent protection during use. Additionally, these minerals are environmentally friendly, as they do not contribute to coral reef bleaching which is a significant concern associated with certain chemical sunscreen ingredients.
At Potency No. 710, we believe sun protection should never come with compromises. That’s why we’ve formulated our sunscreens—Covered SPF 40 and Shaded Tinted SPF—with only non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two UV filters currently recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA .
Our commitment to safety and transparency means our products are:
Furthermore, both Covered and Shaded have been assigned FDA National Drug Code (NDC) labeler codes. This designation also makes them eligible for purchase and reimbursement through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
The sun’s power is undeniable, but so is the power of informed choices. By selecting mineral-only sunscreens, you’re choosing products that prioritize both your health and the environment.
Choose mineral. Choose mindful. Choose Potency No. 710.
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