Cancer Researchers: No Evidence that Sunscreen Additive Causes Cancer

Aug. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- A new report just published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology should put to rest fears that a commonly used ingredient in sunscreen accelerates the development of skin cancer.

“This analysis should ease many concerns raised worldwide about the use of sunscreen,” said Mary Mills Barrow, executive director of SunAWARE, a Minneapolis-based not-for-profit educational advocate for the prevention and detection of skin cancer.

Earlier this summer, the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, DC-based lobbying and research group, published data suggesting that sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) accelerate the development of skin cancer when applied to the skin in sunlight. The EWG went on to recommend only 39 of 500 sunscreen products available in the U.S. marketplace.

The report generated headlines worldwide. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration failed to react immediately, firmly and substantively to the report adding to the general perception that the EWG findings had merit. (The FDA now says they’ll issue a report on retinyl palmitate in December.)

In sunscreens, Vitamin A is an antioxidant added to the product to help guard against the aging effects of UV exposure or to enhance the aesthetic qualities of sunscreen.  It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a variety of over-the-counter and prescription drug uses and is also used as a food additive.

The study, “Safety of retinyl palmitate in sunscreens: A critical analysis,” refuted claims by the EWG on all key points.

   * The EWG based its cancer causing claims on a non-peer reviewed study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Lead investigator and dermatologist Steven Q. Wang, MD, FAAD, director of dermatologic surgery at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, explained that although retinyl palmitate was selected for testing by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), mere selection does not mean that the chosen compounds are dangerous or unsafe. Retinyl palmitate was mainly selected because of its widespread use in cosmetic and sunscreen products and he noted that many common ingredients, such as aloe vera, nanoscale titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide are currently under review by the NTP.

   * The EWG claimed that when retinyl palmitate was exposed to sunlight or UVA, it produces free radicals which disrupt cell function. Dr. Wang explained that the studies upon which the EWG based its claim were non-human studies which only analyzed retinyl palmitate. In sunscreen, retinyl palmitate is only one component of a complex antioxidant network. Dr. Wang questioned the biological relevance of studying retinyl palmitate outside of this environment.

   * Although there are no published human studies on the cancer causing potential of retinyl palmitate, Dr. Wang noted that “observations from decades of clinical practice do not support the notion that retinyl palmitate in sunscreen causes or promotes skin cancer.”

Dr. Wang’s conclusion: “Based on the current available data from in vitro, animal and human studies, there is no convincing evidence to support the notion that retinyl palmitate in sunscreens causes cancer. On the contrary, years of research suggests that retinoids are helpful in reducing your risk for skin cancer. The bottom line is that people should continue vigilantly using sunscreens along with other sun-safe practices – such as limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses – to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.”

“This new analysis is a service for consumers worldwide,” Barrow said. “Dr. Wang and his colleagues at the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have done what the FDA failed to do: refute this junk science firmly and authoritatively.

“Everyone should wear sunscreen as a critical part of their overall sun protection program including sun protection clothing, the first line of defense against dangerous UV rays, and avoiding unprotected exposure.”

SunAWARE is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) dedicated to the prevention and detection of skin cancer. Its SunAWARE website contains a depth of information on this and other sun protection issues and provides a number of free materials for educational purposes.

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SunAWARE is a not-for-profit educational advocate for prevention and detection of skin cancer. It provides free educational materials for educators and others for sun protection programs.