An Integrative Review of the Absorption of FDA-Approved Chemical Sunscreen Filters Into the Blood

Introduction: This integrative review examines the absorption of FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters, specifically avobenzone and oxybenzone, into the bloodstream. The study aims to compare the levels of absorption and potential health effects of systemic exposure to these sunscreen ingredients in the United States. Methods: The researchers conducted a literature search of 57 articles, of which 15 were used for the review. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing absorption levels of avobenzone and oxybenzone, as well as methods of absorption into the bloodstream. Exclusion criteria included sunscreen ingredients not approved in the United States, non-English studies, and studies on methods to determine absorption rather than actual absorption data. Results: The results show that avobenzone can reach a plasma concentration of 7.1 ng/ml after a single application to 75% of the body surface and may be a potential endocrine disruptor. Oxybenzone can reach a plasma concentration of 258.1 ng/ml after a single application to 75% of the body surface and may promote lung cancer metastasis. Conclusions: The review suggests that oxybenzone shows higher concentrations in plasma compared to avobenzone and has more potential health risks. Both avobenzone and oxybenzone exceeded the FDA safety threshold of 0.5 ng/ml following a 75% full-body application every 2 hours for 8 hours. This data indicates that FDA guidelines regarding systemic exposure to chemical UV filters may need to be altered, or alternative sunscreen agents should be encouraged for use.The authors emphasize the need for more studies and trials on the potential health effects of these ingredients, as avobenzone and oxybenzone are the two sunscreen UV filters with the most research, while many other approved filters have little to no research on their absorption levels and health impacts.