-
Sunscreen worries
As if those of you responsible for formulating sunscreens didn’t already have enough problems. . .
Researchers report in a new in vitro study published in Endocrinology that 13 of the 29 ultraviolet (UV) filters they looked at interfere with sperm function. Many of the UV filters are allowed in U.S. sunscreens.
From Dermatology Times. In vivo studies are next. -
11 Replies
-
It’s a marketing opportunity! It blocks UV and is a male contraceptive. Lemonade from lemons.
-
Interesting. I don’t see any real world application of this data though. Do you? (Besides @Microformulation suggested marketing strategy)
-
“I’m So Bronzed and the Baby isn’t Mine SPF 30”
-
Mark, I’m still laughing about that one.
You could take it the opposite way, too.
“Men! Are you a pansy or a real man? Don’t let sunscreens destroy your manhood any more! Use our new UltraMale SPF100 sunscreen! Now with none of the virility-destroying sunscreens those other companies use.”
-
Bob, I think you and I are the real opportunists in the Cosmetic Industry!
But on a serious note, these poorly defined and partially conclusive studies are what EWG loves. Bet it makes their next “Sunscreen Guide.”
-
I’m having too much fun with this to let it go just yet. Maybe we could market sunscreens alongside herbal viagra? Or in the same aisle as contraceptives?
But sadly, you’re right about EWG, etc. I wouldn’t take that bet at any odds.
-
It actually reminds me of a story. When I graduated and joined the Navy, at my first duty station I moonlighted with CVS Drugs in downtown Norfolk, VA. Now I was pretty sheltered and had never really lived outside of Upstate NY. A man came in and asked for his “Nature pills.” I had no clue. He asked like 3 times and each time he got more frustrated. Finally the other Pharmacist came over and took the bottle off the shelf for me. It was a “vitamin” called Red Rooster. It was heavy in Zinc and Iron. This was before Viagra. They would buy 3 or 4 at a time.
Maybe we can add Zinc and market it that way!
-
the first question in my mind was: how can UV filters get from the skin into the blood, and specifically affect the sperm?
even if you apply the substance neat, most UV filter molecules are too large to be absorbed effectively by the skin - and nobody eats sunscreen, injects it or puts it on their knackers
-
@Bill_Toge Those are exactly the questions Marketers don’t want you asking!
-
I think it’s the fearmongering groups that don’t want you asking those questions.
-
> the first question in my mind was: how can UV filters get from the skin into the blood, and specifically affect the sperm?
it doesn’t; the most obvious conclusion, is that sun is good for your sperm count/quality
gives new meaning to “sex on the beach”; I wonder if you can get a prescription for that from your doctor as a “medical necessity”.
LOL.
Log in to reply.