<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> The evidences of the harmful effects of skin exposure to excessive UltraViolet (UV) radiation, primarily on the development of skin cancer, have increased over the last decade. Therefore, national and international health authorities have encouraged the public to take protective sunscreens, and respectively also everyday cosmetics containing UV filters. In these products, a mixture of the UV filters, including both inorganic and organic nature, has been shown to be more effective than the individual UV filter. However, currently there are concerns about the safety and actual effectiveness of some UV filters; especially about certain UV-absorbing compounds (organic UV filters). Three cardinal problems are the most questionable. First, that certain UV filters are absorbed through the skin resulting in systemic exposure with unknown consequences. Second, that certain UV filters show the potential to be adversely endocrine disruptors. Third, that certain UV filters are partially degraded by UV radiation, what making them photounstable and unable to fulfil their basic protective function. The purpose of this article is to discuss these problems.</p></abstract>

The evidences of the harmful effects of skin exposure to excessive UltraViolet (UV) radiation, primarily on the development of skin cancer, have increased over the last decade. Therefore, national and international health authorities have encouraged the public to take protective sunscreens, and respectively also everyday cosmetics containing UV filters. In these products, a mixture of the UV filters, including both inorganic and organic nature, has been shown to be more effective than the individual UV filter. However, currently there are concerns about the safety and actual effectiveness of some UV filters; especially about certain UV-absorbing compounds (organic UV filters). Three cardinal problems are the most questionable. First, that certain UV filters are absorbed through the skin resulting in systemic exposure with unknown consequences. Second, that certain UV filters show the potential to be adversely endocrine disruptors. Third, that certain UV filters are partially degraded by UV radiation, what making them photounstable and unable to fulfil their basic protective function. The purpose of this article is to discuss these problems.

Current problems in the use of organic UV filters to protect skin from excessive sun exposure

Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Acta Chimica Slovaca

The evidences of the harmful effects of skin exposure to excessive UltraViolet (UV) radiation, primarily on the development of skin cancer, have increased over...

Current problems in the use of organic UV filters to protect skin from excessive sun exposure

Published Online: May 22, 2013

Page range: 82 - 88

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acs-2013-0014

Keywords
sunscreens, organic UV filters, endocrine disruptors, dermal absorption, photostability, safety

This content is open access.

Current problems in the use of organic UV filters to protect skin from excessive sun exposure

Published Online: May 22, 2013

Page range: 82 - 88

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acs-2013-0014

Keywordssunscreens, organic UV filters, endocrine disruptors, dermal absorption, photostability, safety

This content is open access.

Keywords
sunscreens, organic UV filters, endocrine disruptors, dermal absorption, photostability, safety