FDA MUsT Shows Sunscreen Ingredient Absorption ‘Not Just A Theoretical Concern’

08 May 2019

• By Lauren Nardella

In FDA’s maximal usage trial published May 6 in JAMA, oxybenzone, octocrylene, avobenzone and ecamsule all absorbed into subjects’ bloodstreams at levels that raise systemic safety questions. The active ingredients are among 12 that FDA identified in a February proposed rule as currently lacking data to support continued GRASE status.

Array of blood samples for microscopy and biopsy tissue on blue gradient background

A maximal usage trial (MUsT) conducted by FDA researchers demonstrates that sunscreen active ingredients can penetrate skin to reach the bloodstream at higher levels than previously believed.

Published online May 6 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the pilot study involving 24 healthy volunteers,...