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| - Last Updated on May 3, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that sunscreen ingredients like 4-MBC can promote cancer cell growth. We fact checked and found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
According to a user on X, “Sunscreen ingredients like 4-MBC and other chemicals can promote cancer cell growth and have long-term endocrine-disrupting effects. Some of them accumulate in body fat and stay there for a long time. Either don’t use sunscreen at all or opt for 100% natural sunscreens.”
Fact Check
What is 4-MBC?
4-MBC or 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor is a chemical compound mainly used in sunscreens as a UV filter. 4-MBC is also known as enzacamene. It absorbs UVB and some UVA rays. It provides protection against sunburn and skin damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. However, there are some concerns about its safety and potential hormonal effects, especially regarding its ability to mimic oestrogen. As a result, regulatory agencies in some countries have banned its use in cosmetics and sunscreen formulations.
Is it true that 4-MBC cause cancer?
No, not really. Studies do not suggest a clear link between 4-MBC exposure and cancer development. The scientific literature does not provide conclusive evidence that 4-MBC directly causes cancer in humans. However, some studies suggest potential risks, such as endocrine disruption and estrogenic activity. But, there isn’t sufficient data to confirm a direct link to cancer in humans. Still, the possibility of carcinogenic effects cannot be entirely ruled out. We need further research to fully understand the potential long-term health impacts of 4-MBC exposure.
It’s not FDA approved. 4-MBC can enter through the skin and has been found in human tissues like the placenta. Studies show it can disrupt hormones like oestrogen and affect the thyroid. In animals, it’s been linked to changes in brain genes and behaviours, especially in females. High doses can affect nerve and muscle development. While it shows potential neurotoxic effects in lab studies, these effects haven’t been observed in real-life exposures.
Regulatory agencies such as the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) continue to evaluate the safety of 4-MBC in cosmetic products, taking into account the available scientific evidence.
What does the SCCS say about 4-MBC?
The SCCS does not consider 4-MBC safe for use in cosmetic products up to 4% concentration. They cannot confirm its safety due to insufficient information about its potential to cause genetic damage. Furthermore, 4-MBC is known to interfere with hormones like oestrogen and thyroid, which poses health concerns. Even without evidence of genetic harm, recent evaluations show that using 4-MBC at 4% concentration could still lead to unsafe exposure levels.
As for a safe concentration, the SCCS can not determine one because the risk of genetic damage remains uncertain.
Is 4-MBC safe?
The safety of this ingredient is in question due to concerns about its impact on health and the environment. Research suggests a link between sunscreen chemicals and hormone disruption and developmental issues. There are two concerns: one is that it gets into the body and mimics oestrogen. But don’t worry, the oestrogenic activity was seen only in rats, likely not in humans. Moreover, we were not able to find any research papers linking 4-MBC exposure to cancer.
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor is approved in the EU and Australia up to 4%, but not in the US or Japan. We need more research to understand the risks of using current sunscreens and to develop safer alternatives.
We asked Dr Aseem Sharma, MBBS, MS Dermatology for his valuable insights. He says, “4-MBC, commonly known as enzacamene, a chemical sunscreen ingredient, has been shown in some studies to exhibit endocrine-disrupting effects, but direct evidence linking it to cancer in humans is lacking. It is important to balance these concerns with the proven benefits of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer. Using physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be a safer alternative for those concerned about chemical sunscreen ingredients.”
Can sunscreen cause cancer?
No, we did not find any studies suggesting sunscreen can cause cancer. In fact, sunscreens offer protection against harmful UV rays. And, they reduce the risk of skin cancers like melanoma.
Why is sunscreen so important?
Sunscreen is important because it protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. These rays, particularly UVB and UVA, can lead to sunburn, premature skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
When you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, it can:
- Lower your chances of getting skin cancer
- Prevent sunburn
- Reduce early signs of ageing like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin
- Prevent existing melasma from worsening and new patches from forming
- Decrease the likelihood of dark spots appearing as skin conditions like acne or psoriasis heal
Over time, consistent use of sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
What is SPF?
Sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF) number. This number indicates how long it takes for the skin to burn with sunscreen compared to without it. It represents the ratio between UV exposure that causes sunburn with and without sunscreen. It’s important not to rely solely on sunscreen for long-term sun exposure. Instead, use sunscreen along with shade, hats, and clothing for optimal protection.
What are the different types of sunscreens?
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV rays. On the other hand, physical sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that create a barrier on the skin. These ingredients reflect and scatter UV rays away from the skin. Both of these offer protection against the sun.
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone should use sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using sunscreen regularly, with an SPF of 30 or higher, for all skin types, although skin cancer is more common in people with white skin. There is no research on how effective regular sunscreen use is in reducing skin cancer risk for people of colour.
For children over 6 months and adults, the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Studies comparing sunscreens with SPF 100 to those with SPF 50 have shown SPF 100 to be more effective in preventing sunburns in real-life situations, such as at the beach or during high-altitude skiing.
Health Canada advises against using sunscreen on children under 6 months due to concerns about increased absorption of sunscreen ingredients. For infants, sun avoidance and protective clothing are recommended. If sunscreen is used, it should be washed off when no longer needed, and physical sunscreens are preferred over chemical ones.
How to choose the correct sunscreen?
To select the right sunscreen, consider these:
- Check SPF: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Skin Type: Choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone.
- Water Resistance: Opt for a water-resistant sunscreen, especially if you’ll be swimming or sweating.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients list and avoid those you may be allergic to or have sensitivities to. During our research we found that physical sunscreens are better for people with sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide.
- Application: Consider the formulation (cream, lotion, gel, spray) that you find easiest to apply and reapply as needed.
- Expiration Date: Ensure the sunscreen is not expired, as effectiveness diminishes over time.
Do sunscreens harm the environment?
Chemical sunscreens, such as those containing 4-MBC, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, are linked to harming coral reefs. Coral reefs can absorb tiny particles, called nanoparticles, from sunscreens, regardless of their ingredients.
For eco-friendly options, choose physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens) labelled as nanoparticle-free. These are often found in lotions rather than mists or sprays. Moreover, UV filters like 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate have been detected in fish species across the globe, potentially impacting the food chain.
If you prefer chemical sunscreens, check labels to avoid 4-MBC, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate-containing formulas for an eco-friendly choice.
We did another fact check regarding sunscreens: Can your diet or the usage of sunscreen lead to skin cancer?
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