Vitamin A in sunscreens linked to skin tumors
Federal researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) have concluded that sunscreens with retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, when exposed to ultraviolet light, stimulates the growth of skin tumors. An independent science advisory panel recently backed up the findings by the NIH’s National Toxicology Program, who assessed the associated health risks by observing the hastening and proliferation of skin lesions and cancerous tumors on test animals treated with vitamin A.
Approximately 40 percent of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate, most likely to serve as an anti-wrinkle agent. “A compound that causes skin damage and tumors on sun-exposed skin has no place in sunscreens or other daytime skin products,” said Jane Houlihan, Environmental Working Group senior vice president for research.
As news spreads of these latest findings, it’s likely to have a big impact on the sunscreen industry, with consumers finding more vitamin A-free products on the shelves for the upcoming summer season.
