Comedogenicity of sunscreens. Experimental observations in rabbits

Fourteen of 29 proprietary sunscreen formulations, including suntan promoters, were found to be comedogenic when applied to the external ear canal of albino rabbits. Ultraviolet exposures enhanced the comedogenic effect. The vehicles, rather than the UV-absorbing compounds, seemed to be responsible. accordingly, sunscreen acne may be a subtype of acne cosmetica. A sampling of UV absorbers showed these agents to be noncomedogenic.