Sunscreens that appear to be effective and safe on their own may not perform as effectively when mixed. A new study shows that in some combinations, they can produce a potentially dangerous byproduct. According to the findings of a study published in the Journal of Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, individuals should avoid using certain sunscreens.
The study found that sunscreens containing zinc oxide not only lose their effectiveness after two hours in the sun, but they can also be dangerous if the mineral is combined with chemicals commonly present in most sunscreens.
Zinc oxide is advertised as a safe, ‘chemical-free’ alternative to other sunscreens on the market, however, this is dependent on how it is served. The researchers claim that when this inorganic sunblock is used under or over other organic sunscreens, it does not filter as much UV radiation from the sun as the product alone.
The research team was led by Dr. Aurora Ginzburg, including faculty members Robin Tangue and Lisa Truong from the College of Agricultural Sciences, as well as graduate fellow Claudia Santillon.
The researchers found that the mixture degrades organic UV-filters, reducing their efficiency and producing potentially dangerous by-products.
Researchers used zebrafish to test the effect of zinc oxide-based sunscreens. Since zebrafish and humans share about 80% of the genetic code, if a chemical causes an unpleasant reaction in fish, there is a strong chance that it will induce comparable reactions in humans.
The researchers developed five combinations, including active components found in sunscreens and other lotions containing varying levels of zinc oxide. The combinations were then subjected to UV irradiation and the changes were observed.
When zinc oxide nanoparticles or larger microparticles were induced, the researchers observed significant changes in photostability and phototoxicity. According to the researchers, the chemical was shown to be dangerous after just two hours of sun exposure. When sunscreen becomes harmful to the skin, it exposes customers to more radiation. This can eventually lead to sunburn, blisters or sun poisoning.
According to Claudia Santillon, “Zinc-oxide-induced photodegradation products increased the number of defects in the zebrafish that we used to test toxicity.” “This implies that zinc oxide particles are producing degradants whose entry into aquatic ecosystems is harmful to the environment,” he added.
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