Contamination appeared in specific batches of sunscreen, rather than a specific brand, said David Light, CEO and founder of Valisure, the independent lab that ran the tests. Oxybenzone, found to be a troublesome ingredient for many reasons, is on the way out. As EWG puts it, “The rapid decline in use of oxybenzone is due to concerns about skin absorption and its potential to harm to health. But it’s still permitted for use in U.S. sunscreens, so consumers should remain vigilant – it’s in just 6 percent of all products and 13 percent of the non-mineral recreational sunscreens in our Guide to Sunscreens. This represents a steep drop by more than half compared to how much the ingredient was used in 2022.” Cigarette smoke and off-gassing from furniture wax, detergents, glue and paint are sources of indoor exposure to benzene, according to the CDC, while outdoor air can be polluted with benzene from “gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.”

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So what are the best sunscreens out there? Let’s take a look. The Best Sunscreens of 2023: For RecreationWe petitioned the FDA to recall or to request recalls of the products that are 0.1 per million and above,” Light told CNN. “It’s obvious that we shouldn’t be taking that risk, and we just wanted it cleaned up.” This builds on previous research showing that sunscreen chemicals hit the bloodstream within a day of using them — and at levels high enough to prompt a government investigation on safety. I want to use a safe sunscreen on the rest of my skin, but after this reaction to the cancer gel, I’m afraid to try anything. I have many allergies to scents, lotions, sprays. The one thing I love to use is Lubriderm . I also love Vanicream lite lotion. But, I have not seen either of these with sunscreen. Any suggestions as I am quite the mess? !!

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However, one of the CVS products on the list of benzene-contaminated products, After-sun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel, “is still for sale,” DeAngelis said. are caused by excessive sun exposure. It is important that people everywhere continue to take appropriate sun protection However, you can get too much of a good thing, which is why it’s important to take steps to prevent overexposure and sunburns.The vast majority of tested sunscreens, however, were free of benzene, and experts stress the importance of sunscreen use to protect skin from the aging and cancerous effects of the sun.