Do Sunscreen Chemicals Absorb Into Your Bloodstream? What You Need to Know

As someone with over 30 years of experience in creating sunscreen, I’m deeply passionate about the safety and efficacy of sun protection products. So, when sunscreen makes headlines—like the claim that its chemicals can soak into your bloodstream—I inevitably receive a flurry of emails asking, “Is this true?”

The short answer is: Yes, sunscreen chemicals can enter your bloodstream. But this isn’t breaking news. In fact, it’s something organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have been raising awareness about for years, particularly regarding ingredients like Oxybenzone.

Let’s dive deeper into what this means and whether it should be a cause for concern.

Sunscreen and Skin Absorption: How It Works

The skin, our largest organ, acts as a barrier but also absorbs many substances we apply to it. This is why medications like nicotine patches or hormone creams are effective—they deliver active ingredients directly through the skin into the bloodstream. Sunscreen works similarly: its ingredients penetrate the skin to provide UV protection, and some of those ingredients may enter the bloodstream.

The FDA has conducted studies showing that several chemical sunscreen filters, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene, can be detected in the blood after application. However, these findings alone don’t necessarily mean the ingredients are harmful.

Do Sunscreen Chemicals in the Bloodstream Harm You?

The critical question isn’t whether sunscreen chemicals enter the bloodstream, but rather: Do these chemicals harm us?

Here’s what we know so far:

1. Excretion of Chemicals: Many sunscreen ingredients are processed and expelled from the body through urine or bowel movements.
2. Lack of Conclusive Evidence: Current research hasn’t definitively shown that trace amounts of these chemicals in the blood cause harm. However, long-term studies are needed to understand their potential effects fully.
3. Ingredient Safety: Some ingredients, like oxybenzone, have raised concerns due to their potential to act as endocrine disruptors. This is why many sunscreen brands (including BU) avoid such ingredients.

Tips for Safe Sun Protection

If you’re concerned about sunscreen chemicals but still want to enjoy the outdoors safely, here are some steps you can take:

1. Choose Sunscreens for personal comfort:
   Opt for formulas that you enjoy wearing. If it feels good on your skin and works, you will be more like to use it regularly.

2. Embrace UV Apparel:
   UV-protective clothing provides excellent coverage without requiring reapplication, making it a great alternative for extended sun exposure.

3. Be Sun Smart:

   • Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
   • Seek shade whenever possible.
   • Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for added protection.

4. Apply Sunscreen Properly:
   Use sunscreen as directed, and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

5. Practice Moderation:
   Balance is key. While sun exposure offers benefits like Vitamin D, overexposure can lead to serious skin damage.

Ongoing Research: What’s Next?

At BU, we are committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our products. That’s why we’re working with scientists to better understand the long-term impact of sunscreen absorption. As more research becomes available, we’ll continue to keep you informed.

The Bottom Line

Yes, some sunscreen chemicals can enter your bloodstream, but the health implications are still being studied. In the meantime, the best approach is to be sun smart: use safe sunscreens, wear UV apparel, and enjoy the sun in moderation.

Remember, sunscreen is just one tool in your sun protection arsenal. By making informed choices and adopting safe sun habits, you can protect your skin without compromising your health.

For more information about BU’s safe and effective sunscreens or UV apparel, contact us at 310-456-8787 or visit our website to explore our products. Stay safe, be sun smart, and always, just be YOU!