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What might be the source of benzene in a sunscreen?
Alright raw material manufacturers or people who know more about such things than me, what’s your guess for the source of benzene in sunscreens?
Here’s the story. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/carcinogen-found-in-multiple-sunscreens An “independent” lab looked at over 200 sunscreens an found traces of benzene in about 27%. They even named names.
Any idea where the benzene might have gotten into the product? Or could this just be a result of the type of testing done?
What do you think?
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7 Replies
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@Perry Benzene residue most likely always going to be there. I have worked with synthesis of aromatics and Freidel Crafts.Possibly the reaction for synthesis of precursor molecules is the source of benzene traces
Benzene —>toluene—>benzaldehyde—>tertbutyl benzaldehyde(precursor in avobenzone synthesis)Another possible source could be fragrance components such as Lilail or benzaldehyde.Most of the organic sunscreens have fragrance
For analytical testing, possibly using qNMR, for detection of such low levels of benzene.
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Some carbomers are also manufactured using a benzene solvent.
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Think the 1st question might be the valaidity of the testing and the accuracy of report - that I’m sure the FDA is currently addressing.
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@PhilGeis - this was my first question too. Also, if you went through and tested all personal care products, how much benzene would you find?
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Think you’d find it - at some level.
In addition to reproducibility, wonder at the risk assessment re. levels found. Press release refers to 2 ppm benzene in sanitizer. There, focus was on technical/industrial grade ethanol and FDA saw 2 ppm as acceptable for limited exposure in context of need for santiizers. https://www.fda.gov/media/136289/downloadThere is the soft drink - benzoic acid/vitamin c /benzene issue.. Here they were talking about ppb levels. https://www.fda.gov/food/chemicals/benzene
Valisure is a new bunch - founded in 2015 - wonder how much of this is publicity., even if accurate as reported.
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Ah yes, I forgot about the benzene in soft drinks controversy.
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@Perry
Long shot here but possibly residue from cleaning hydraulic pumps and mixing shafts?
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