64222 Allergen Content in Best-Selling Sunscreens: A Comparison of Key Product Features

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-1-2025

Publication Title

J Am Acad Dermatol

Abstract

Introduction: Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis caused by sunscreens can compromise patient photoprotection adherence. Tinted and chemical sunscreens are often recommended for skin of color populations for cosmesis and visible light protection. We aimed to compare the presence of allergens from the North American 80 Comprehensive Series (NAC-80) across top-selling sunscreens. Methods: We collected all reported best-selling sunscreens from the three largest American online retailers (Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com) and cross-referenced their ingredients with NAC-80. Welch’s t-tests were used to compare mean allergens per product (APP) in tinted versus non-tinted, chemical versus mineral, and marketed features. An ANOVA was performed to compare mean APP across different sunscreen vehicles. Results: Ingredient lists were available for 201 of 281 products reviewed. The most common allergens were acrylates, then fragrance, tocopherol, benzyl alcohol, and propylene glycol. Less common allergens included sorbitan sequioleate, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, and tea tree oil. Tinted (1.4 APP), mineral (1.1 APP), stick (1.0 APP)/lotion (1.9 APP), non-sport (1.7 APP), facial (1.4 APP), and baby/child (1.4 APP) sunscreens had significantly fewer NAC-80 allergens compared to non-tinted (2.2 APP), chemical (2.3 APP), spray (2.3 APP), sport (2.5 APP), body (2.2 APP), and adult (2.0 APP) sunscreens (all p < 0.0001, except baby/child versus adult [p =0.039]; FDR correction for multiple comparisons). Conclusion: Allergen content varies among best-selling sunscreens, potentially affecting their safety and tolerability. Dermatologists should consider the allergenic potential of sunscreens when making recommendations, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin, or specific medical or cosmetic needs.

Volume

93

First Page

AB14

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