Trust your sunscreen with caution: A literature review on the side effects of sunscreen

Abstract

Sunscreen use has grown significantly in recent years due to its ability to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and reduce skin problems such as sunburn, aging skin, and immunosuppression. This review examines the ingredients in sunscreen and the effects they have. Substances including oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, enzacamene, and benzophenone enter the systemic circulation. The discovery of these substances in plasma and urine sparked concerns about their safety and the requirement for additional study into the long-term consequences they produce. The adverse effects of benzophenone, ecamsule, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, methylisothiazolinone, homosalate, octinoxate, aluminum oxide, and cinnamate derivatives such as octyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene are also covered in this research. The mechanism of action of UV filters, as well as methods for assessing the effectiveness of sunscreens such as the sun protection factor, persistent pigment darkening, and immune protection factor, is elaborated. This literature review will also discuss the safety and effectiveness of the compounds used in sunscreen formulation as well as any potential health risks and toxicities.