EU scientists rule on sunscreen use
The SCCS says 18g of sunscreen per day, per person during the limited periods per year of intended sun exposure is safe
The European Union’s (EU) scientific committee on consumer safety (SCCS) has said the use of 18g of sunscreen per day, per person during the limited periods per year of intended sun exposure is safe. In an assessment of the safety of parabens in sunscreens, the committee said this usage “represents a realistic amount, which is protective as well for babies, children and adults”.
That said, the paper stressed this was an indicative and not absolute guideline as sun protection depends on variables such as “the SPF of the product, galenic formulation, its chemical composition, spreading of the product, skin penetration, location on the body, skin temperature, age, gender, phototype, presence of skin hair, previous sun exposure, genetic predisposition, etc”. As for whether propyl- or butylparaben should be used as ingredients, the committee said “adequate evidence has not been provided” for assuring their safe use and it called for more research into the subject.
