Scientists have found evidence of a potential carcinogen in some sunscreens and have petitioned U.S. regulators to pull them from the shelves. Researchers petitioned the FDA to remove from the market all sunscreens containing the ingredient octocrylene. It is believed that products made with the chemical may contain benzophenone, a suspected carcinogen that can interfere with key hormones and reproductive organs. Products that could be affected include Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena.
There have been increasing concerns about sunscreens since 2019 when FDA asked manufacturers for safety data on chemical ingredients on the products. This year, an independent testing lab found levels of benzene, another probable carcinogen, in several products, which led to recalls. The WHO cancer research arm has classified benzophenone as a possible carcinogen based upon animal studies. Next year, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is expected to deliver a report on sunscreens.