We don’t bother reading labels and purchase products we think will be good for us most of the time. However, a report by Valisure detected benzene contamination in popular sunscreen products. The chemical is known to cause cancer.
Here is everything you need to know about this report and how popular sunscreen products are harmful to our skin and health.
What The Valisure Report States
Valisure is a well-known pharmacy, and it tests its products. The pharmacy tested at least three hundred sprays and lotions for this report. Out of all these sunscreen product samples, 27% of them had benzene contamination.
On the other hand, some of these batches contained more than three times the restricted FDA concentration limit. After this report, Valisure has requested FDA to define the limits for this carcinogen contamination in such products.
What Is Benzene?
It is crucial to understand benzene and what it does so you don’t purchase products with this carcinogen. Benzene is a highly-flammable and colorless liquid with an odor that smells like gasoline. You will find this carcinogen commonly in crude oils, solvents, and more.
Benzene is also used to synthesize various chemicals. Of course, because benzene is known as a carcinogen, it means that the chemical can cause cancer in humans. If you are exposed to benzene contamination for a long time, it increases your chances of developing leukemia, lymphoma, and other such cancers.
How Does Benzene Contamination Happen In Sunscreens?
You might be wondering how a carcinogen like benzene ends up in sunscreens if it is common knowledge that the ingredient is harmful. Of course, the ingredient is not added intentionally. It is most likely occurs as a contaminant or a byproduct of manufacturing or in the production of another raw material.
That is because benzene contamination can occur in many aloe vera or alcohol-based lotions, alcohol sprays, and much more. Such contamination can result in benzene becoming the active ingredient of such products. That is why it is crucial to check the label of sunscreens before you purchase them.
The Risks And Dangers Of Benzene Contamination In Sunscreens
Benzene is a Class 1 carcinogen according to the classification by WHO. On the other hand, sunscreens with benzene have high risks of absorption as you use the cream with time. However, as of now, it is not clear how risky it is in the long run.
However, benzene contamination in sunscreens will be harmful to your health only when you have chronic exposure to it for a long period. Because of this, you can develop various blood disorders. These include cell-based cancers, anemia, and more.
Many people apply sunscreen to the entire body, which is why the risk of this product is high. Of course, it can only happen through long-term exposure. That is why it is crucial to understand what is inside a lotion that you use almost daily.
Such contamination does not mean that you stop using sunscreen. It is important to know which sunscreens have benzene and which don’t to make the right decision.
The Sunscreens With Benzene Contamination
According to the Valisure report, there can be as many as eleven thousand sunscreens with benzene contamination. So, here is a list of sunscreens that you must avoid if you want to protect your skin and health:
- All sunscreens by Banana Boat
- Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- All sunscreens by CVS Health
- Goodsense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- EltaMD UV Aero Broad Spectrum Full Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 45
- Neutrogena Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
- Sunburnt Advanced After-Sun Gel
- Walgreens Sport Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50
- And many others
Final Words
That was your complete guide to understand the dangers of popular sunscreen products and benzene contamination inside them. You can go through the complete report by Valisure to avoid using sunscreens that contain this contaminant. After all, skin is the most sensitive organ, and it absorbs everything.
That is why it is important to know what you are putting on your body and skin. Once you understand this, you can make better sunscreen choices so that you remain healthy and happy for a long time to come.
