The Lab
Specimen No. 0125
CautionSyntheticsunscreenuv filter

Octocrylene

2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate · uvinul n 539 · parsol 340

A chemical UV-B and short UV-A filter widely used in sunscreens. Systemic absorption occurs at levels roughly 14× the FDA safety threshold, and octocrylene degrades over time into benzophenone — a suspected endocrine disruptor found in human blood samples.

medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • Systemic absorption ~14× FDA safety threshold (0.5 ng/mL) [Inference]
  • Degrades into benzophenone, a suspected endocrine disruptor
  • Detected as an aquatic pollutant in water systems globally
  • Rare cases of allergic contact and photoallergic dermatitis

Regulatory flags

  • Detected in breast milk and blood
  • EU restricts — max 9% in rinse-off and leave-on products
  • Hawaii banned in sunscreen (2021)

Commonly found in

Chemical sunscreenSPF moisturizersWater-resistant sunscreenAfter-sun products

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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Safer swaps · Research references

Thinksport

Thinksport SPF 50+

94/100

The cleanest mineral sunscreen we've found. Zero hormone disruptors.

Why it's cleaner

No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Zinc oxide 20%, Sunflower seed oil, Shea butter.

Zinc oxide 20%Sunflower seed oilShea butter
View product

Pipette

Pipette Mineral SPF 50

89/100

Sheer mineral SPF designed for sensitive skin.

Why it's cleaner

No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Zinc oxide 20%, Squalane, Bisabolol.

Zinc oxide 20%SqualaneBisabolol
View product

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