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The presence of benzophenone in sunscreens and cosmetics containing the organic UV filter octocrylene: A laboratory study
Author(s) -
Foubert Kenn,
Dendooven Ella,
Theunis Mart,
Naessens Tania,
Ivanova Boryana,
Pieters Luc,
Gilissen Liesbeth,
Huygens Sara,
De Borggraeve Wim,
Lambert Julien,
Goossens An,
Aerts Olivier
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.13845
Subject(s) - cosmetics , benzophenone , chemistry , uv filter , dermatology , organic chemistry , medicine , physics , optics
Background The reason why patients photosensitized to the drug ketoprofen (KP) may develop severe photoallergic skin reactions to octocrylene (OCT), an organic ultraviolet filter in sunscreens and cosmetics, remains largely unknown. OCT can be synthesized by using unsubstituted benzophenone (BP), a possible human carcinogen. Objectives To verify if, and to what extent, BP residues are present in OCT‐containing consumer products. Methods The raw material of OCT and 39 skincare products, of which 28 contain OCT, were chemically analysed for the presence of BP by means of liquid chromatography. Results In the OCT raw material and in all 28 OCT‐containing products the presence of BP could be demonstrated, mostly in concentrations above 10 ppm (0.001%), whereas a majority of OCT‐free products (8/11, 73%) did not contain BP. Moreover, BP concentrations significantly increased, in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent manner, likely due to the additional degradation of OCT. Conclusions Photoallergic contact dermatitis from OCT in patients photosensitized to KP might rely on residual BP impurities. Toxicological and ecological studies that evaluate the safety of OCT might also need to consider the concomitant presence of BP.