Allergen Content of Inactive Ingredients in Best-Selling Sunscreens: A Comparison of Key Product Features
Recommended Citation
Levin EJ, Chung C, Hermes K, Lim HW, Matthews NH. Allergen Content of Inactive Ingredients in Best-Selling Sunscreens: A Comparison of Key Product Features. Contact Dermatitis. 2026;95(2):200-206.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2026
Publication Title
Contact dermatitis
Keywords
Sunscreening Agents, Allergens, Humans, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dermatitis, Allergic Contact, Vitamin E, Acrylates, Perfume
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by sunscreens may affect patient adherence and photoprotection.
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the presence of inactive allergens from the North American 80 Comprehensive Series (NAC-80) across top-selling sunscreens.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of inactive ingredient lists from all reported best-selling sunscreens from the three largest American online retailers: Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com. Using a custom text-matching algorithm and manual review, we identified NAC-80 allergens and quantified allergen counts per product. We compared inactive allergen load in tinted versus non-tinted, organic versus inorganic ultraviolet (UV) filters, vehicle and various marketed features in sunscreens.
RESULTS: We reviewed 176 products. Vitamin E was the most common allergen, followed by acrylate-containing copolymers/crosspolymers, fragrance, and parabens. Organic, spray and sport sunscreens had significantly more allergens than inorganic, stick and non-sport sunscreens, respectively. Tinted and face sunscreens had significantly fewer allergens than non-tinted and body sunscreens.
CONCLUSIONS: Allergen content in inactive ingredients varies among best-selling sunscreens, potentially affecting their safety and tolerability. Dermatologists should consider the allergenic potential of not only active but also inactive ingredients of sunscreens when counselling patients.
Medical Subject Headings
Sunscreening Agents; Allergens; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Vitamin E; Acrylates; Perfume
PubMed ID
41967979
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
95
Issue
2
First Page
200
Last Page
206
