Scientists at the Sorbonne University in France have found that popular sunscreens accumulate the substance benzophenone on the skin over time, leading to cell mutations, cancer, and endocrine disorders.
Experts have found the concentration of benzophenone in 17 sunscreens, including Nivea, Garnier, LaRoche-Posay, Coppertone, Banana Leaf, and Neutrogena. All products, except Nivea, contain octocrylene, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
The creams' samples were stored in an incubator for six weeks at 40 degrees Celsius, at 75 percent humidity. It was found that all 16 creams containing octocrylene contained benzophenone in concentrations ranging from six to 186 micrograms per kilogram.
The authors of the study argue that all types of octocrylene-containing products should be banned until their safety is proven.
