The next highest average concentrations of benzene (0.1 to 1 ppm) were in twelve products that were primarily sprays but included four lotions. The highest average concentrations of benzene (2 ppm to 6 ppm) were found in four sprays. Benzene was found in 43 out of 224 sunscreens and in 8 of 48 after-sun products. The products included sprays, gels, lotions, and creams. Benzene Contamination in Sunscreensīenzene, which has been linked to blood cancers, was reported in 2021 in a large number of sunscreens and after-sun products that were independently tested.

We also discuss whether sunscreens containing 'DNA repair enzymes' (found in brands such as ISDIN, Neova, and Priori Skincare) might work better than regular sunscreens, and we compare the UV protection of sunscreen to sun-protection clothing. We have provided several tables showing more than two hundred examples of products that, either through testing or a review of ingredients, may pose some risk or appear to be safer than others. Neither of these compounds appear on product labels but may be introduced during product manufacture and/or created by chemical reactions with the sunscreen itself, with more produced over the life of the product!Īs discussed below, certain ingredients in sunscreens appear to make a product more likely to contain benzene and/or benzophenone. Scientists have discovered at least two different compounds in sunscreens that are carcinogens - benzene and benzophenone. There are many important considerations when choosing a sunscreen beyond choosing a product with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and the right SPF factor.

Carcinogenic benzene in sunscreen