Exposure of Selected Sunscreens to Artificial Sunlight Generates Persistent Free Radicals.

ABSTRACT: Inorganic ultraviolet (UV) filters in mineral sunscreens (MSCs) are known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), including transient free radicals, under light exposure. Recent findings indicate that these filters (titanium dioxide [TiO₂] and zinc oxide [ZnO]) also assist in generating long-lived free radicals. The photochemical formation of these radicals during routine sunscreen use and as they enter the environment remains unknown, highlighting the need for studies to inform safer sunscreen formulation, reduce adverse health risks, and protect aquatic ecosystems. Here, we provide the first evidence that all commercial sunscreen formulations we used in this study generated substantial amounts of persistent free radicals (PFRs), which remain long after light exposure ends.

SUBMITTER: Vejerano EP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613795 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature