Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients

With increasing awareness regarding the risks of sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer, the use of sunscreens has increased. Organic and inorganic filters are used in sunscreen products worldwide. Concerns have been raised on commonly used organic UV filters including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3; BP-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), octocrylene (OC), and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate; EHMC) on their effects on the environment. Studies have identified UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate and ethylhexyl salicylate (ES) in almost all water sources around the world and have commented that these filters are not easily removed by common waste water treatment plant techniques.