Conflicts of interest: None declared.
1365-2133/asset/olbannerleft.jpg?v=1&s=3d13800721e0d35da4d49e694f63a9d81054ca17)
1365-2133/asset/olbannerright.jpg?v=1&s=9ea9b247f2d7101244b2bef959a0874a886ec363)
Percutaneous absorption of the sunscreen benzophenone-3 after repeated whole-body applications, with and without ultraviolet irradiation
Article first published online: 18 NOV 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.07007.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gonzalez, H., Farbrot, A., Larkö, O. and Wennberg, A.-M. (2006), Percutaneous absorption of the sunscreen benzophenone-3 after repeated whole-body applications, with and without ultraviolet irradiation. British Journal of Dermatology, 154: 337–340. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.07007.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 NOV 2005
- Article first published online: 18 NOV 2005
- Accepted for publication 27 July 2005
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- benzophenone-3;
- penetration;
- sunscreen;
- ultraviolet
Summary
Background Benzophenone-3 (BZ-3; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, oxybenzone) is commonly used to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation. BZ-3 penetrates the skin and can be found in the urine. The amount varies between 0·4% and 2%. This seems to be the main metabolic pathway in rats.
Objectives To investigate the total amount of BZ-3 excreted in the urine after repeated topical whole-body applications of a sunscreen and to see if UV radiation has any effect on the amount excreted.
Methods Twenty-five volunteers applied a commercially available sunscreen containing 4% BZ-3 morning and night for 5 days. Their urine was measured during those 5 days and during a further 5 days after the last application. They were divided into groups A (unirradiated) and B. Group B received UV radiation according to skin type: UVA between 400 and 707 J cm−2, and UVB between 0·46 and 2·0 J cm−2. BZ-3 in urine was analysed with a high-performance liquid chromatography method.
Results The volunteers excreted 1·2–8·7% (mean 3·7%) of the total amount of BZ-3 applied. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P < 0·99, t-test).
Conclusions We show that a large amount of BZ-3 is absorbed. BZ-3 is accumulated in the body as the volunteers excreted BZ-3 5 days after the last application.