12.11.23
Kenvue Inc. has published a new study simulating sunscreen rinse-off into seawater from skin. The findings reveal the potential for sunscreen ultraviolet filter (UVF) rinse-off varies based on use of other ingredients, representing significant progress toward improved estimates of real-world rinse-off levels and the design of sunscreens that minimize UVF exposure to the marine environment, says the Happi Top 50 ompany behind Neutrogena, a leader in mass market skin health and sun protection.
The study, “Influence of sunscreen formulation on the transfer of mineral and organic ultraviolet filters from skin to seawater in simulated ocean bathing tests,” was published in in the October issue International Journal of Cosmetic Science (IJCS).
Rinse-off amounts varied between sunscreen formula types. Water-in-oil and waterless formula types resulted in 5% or less of the applied UVF detected rinsing into the seawater, while oil-in-water formulations yielded up to 20% rinse-off;
According to Kenvue, the study informs future modeling efforts by pioneering a new paradigm for quantifying rinse-off.
Kenvue says the study—conducted in collaboration with Battelle, a nonprofit applied science and technology company—marks an important step toward better understanding how sunscreen formulation types perform in seawater and creating responsible sunscreen products that also provide critically needed sun protection.
“At Kenvue, we rigorously study our ingredients for safety, efficacy, and environmental impact and we continue to drive research and new predictive modeling to better understand and balance the influence of these products on human health and environmental safety,” said Fabiana Gargaro, global VP of R&D, skin health and beauty, Kenvue.
UV Filter Concerns Addressed At Florida Sunscreen Symposium
The study, “Influence of sunscreen formulation on the transfer of mineral and organic ultraviolet filters from skin to seawater in simulated ocean bathing tests,” was published in in the October issue International Journal of Cosmetic Science (IJCS).
Study Information
In the study, none of the 22 total combinations of UVF and sunscreen formulations tested exceeded 20% rinse-off, and 19 resulted in less than 10% of the applied UVF rinsed from skin during the 40-minute test procedure. In the absence of robust scientific research addressing this issue, previously published aquatic exposure assessments for UVFs in seawater assumed that between 25 and 100% of applied UVFs may be rinsed off during swimming.Rinse-off amounts varied between sunscreen formula types. Water-in-oil and waterless formula types resulted in 5% or less of the applied UVF detected rinsing into the seawater, while oil-in-water formulations yielded up to 20% rinse-off;
According to Kenvue, the study informs future modeling efforts by pioneering a new paradigm for quantifying rinse-off.
Kenvue says the study—conducted in collaboration with Battelle, a nonprofit applied science and technology company—marks an important step toward better understanding how sunscreen formulation types perform in seawater and creating responsible sunscreen products that also provide critically needed sun protection.
“At Kenvue, we rigorously study our ingredients for safety, efficacy, and environmental impact and we continue to drive research and new predictive modeling to better understand and balance the influence of these products on human health and environmental safety,” said Fabiana Gargaro, global VP of R&D, skin health and beauty, Kenvue.
Additional Reading
Lab Rap: Kenvue’s Global Vice President, R&D Skin Health & Beauty Fabiana GargaroUV Filter Concerns Addressed At Florida Sunscreen Symposium