Ultraviolet filters in sunscreen products labeled for use in children and for sensitive skin

The active ingredients in sunscreen products are ultraviolet (UV) filters, many of which are known potential allergens. The use of sunscreen in younger children and individuals with sensitive skin requires special attention, since absorption and allergen sensitization are of concern.

This study aims to evaluate the ultraviolet filters in sunscreen products labeled specifically for "kids" or as "sensitive/hypoallergenic" and compare these to general sunscreen products.

From December 2017 to March 2018, the ingredient labels on commercially available sunscreen products in Bangkok, Thailand, were analyzed.

Two hundred and forty-six sunscreen products were examined. Of these, twenty products (8.1%) were marketed for "kids." Forty-one products (16.6%) were labeled as "sensitive" or "hypoallergenic." Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and benzophenone-3 (BP3) were less prevalent in products for children [(P = .004) and (P = .029), respectively]. Eighty-five percent of sunscreen products labeled for kids contained at least one chemical UV filter. There was no significant difference between BP3, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM), and octocrylene (OCR) in products labeled for sensitive skin compared to products with no specific labels. Moreover, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) was more commonly found in products for sensitive skin than in nonsensitive products (P = .001).

Common allergenic UV filters were found in sunscreens labeled as sensitive and for children. Regulations for displaying these specific labels should be established for improved benefits and safety to allergy-prone skin.