Effect of Sunscreen Application o…mized Clinical Trial

Findings

All six tested sunscreen active ingredients were systemically absorbed above the FDA threshold, reinforcing the need for further safety data

Design
RCT
Sample
n=48
Evidence
Strong
Journal
JAMA
Methodology

This follow-up to the landmark 2019 FDA study expanded the investigation to six sunscreen active ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate) across four formulations (lotion, aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray, and pump spray). All six ingredients exceeded the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL plasma concentration threshold after a single application, and concentrations increased with repeated application over the 21-day study period. The authors again emphasized that systemic absorption does not equal harm but that additional safety studies are warranted.

Funded By

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

🧂Conflict of interest.