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absorb the sun’s ultraviolet rays; one makeup products. It can be recognized
chemical blocker is called octinoxate. under various names: Octyl-
According to the Household Products methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl-
Database from the U.S. Department 4-methoxycinnamate, Avobenzone
of Health and Human Services, large (Parsol, Escalol), or Neo Heliopan.
companies like Olay, Aveeno, Revlon, While octinoxate is approved for use in
Dove, etc., all use octinoxate in their all cosmetics worldwide, there is a limit
products. L’Oreal has a page on its to how much can be used at once. The
website supposedly debunking the maximum concentration in ready-to-
claims of its unsafeness. Right now, use preparations varies according to
there is insufficient evidence showing local legislation; however, according to
that octinoxate is more harmful than the U.S. FDA, the recommended use
it is beneficial; therefore, there are not level is up to 7.5 percent.
enough laws in place preventing its
overuse. Here’s what you should consider Some users are more likely to be
when buying sunscreen, especially if it vulnerable to its side effects than others
contains octinoxate: (i.e. babies and children, pregnant
women, teenagers, and women of color).
Octinoxate is in products with SPF; Studies have shown that octinoxate may
that could be perfumes, hairsprays, affect women’s breast development,
aftershaves, moisturizers, lip balms, or infant birth weight, or men’s sperm
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