HKBU Research

For your consideration => http://www.sci.hkbu.edu.hk/eng/news/press-releases/421n
A bit more research about chemical based sunscreens.

Extract as follows. I've bolded the key part at the bottom:

Dr Kelvin Leung said the study found that the combined presence of BP-3, EHMC and OC creates “a mixture effect” that increases their accumulation compared with the case when only one chemical is present. This increase was particularly marked in zebrafish. “Since more than 70% of the genetic structure of zebrafish resembles that of humans, the effect of these contaminants passing along the food chain to humans and the long-term impact on human fertility cannot be neglected.” he added.

Dr Leung said, “UV light increases the risk of premature skin ageing, freckles and triggers skin cancer. Organic or chemical UV filters that can absorb or block UV radiation, are extensively applied in personal care products including sunscreens. Besides, UV filters are also widely found in textiles, plastics and rubber as protection against photo-degradation.”

Dr Leung added, “After human use, the organic/chemical UV filters in sunscreens are discharged into the sea either directly by being washed off with sea water or indirectly through discharge of wastewater. Eventually they enter the sea, thereby posing a threat to marine organisms and the ecosystem.”

Dr Leung called for regulations to cover the use of chemicals in personal care products and said more research should be done on the long-term impact of these contaminants. He recommends the usage of natural, mineral-based sunscreens, for instance, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide.