June 2, 2011 – Sunscreens that contain retinyl palmitate, a compound derived from vitamin A, should be avoided because they increase the risk of developing skin cancer, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG ) and the American magazine Consumer Reports.
Both recently published their annual assessment of the quality of sun lotions sold in the market. According to the EWG, vitamin A is added to 30% of all sunscreens sold in North America because of its antioxidant properties which slow down aging of the skin. However, this addition would have a perverse effect, maintains the American organization.
The EWG cites as evidence a recent technical report by the United States National Toxicology Program and the Food and Drug Administration – the American equivalent of Health Canada – which suggests that retinyl palmitate has photocarcinogenic properties. Simply put, this derivative could cause the development of cancer cells when used on the skin. He therefore recommends avoiding the use of sunscreens containing vitamin A.
In its annual sunscreen report, the Consumer Reports The same warning goes. Retinyl palmitate has been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer in laboratory animals.
The magazine also claims that once it penetrates the skin, this compound turns into a retinoid. However, studies have shown that the isotretinoin contained in acne medications (Accutane ®) increases the risk of birth defects. As a preventive measure, pregnant women should avoid creams containing retinyl palmitate, argues the Consumer Reports.
“Alarmist” remarks
Pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne considers the EWG’s position “alarmist”. The technical report reported by the American organization does not offer conclusive results, according to him. He recalls that it is only based on an animal model – in this case hairless mice – in which an increase in cancerous lesions and free radicals when bombarded with UV rays were observed, but not significantly. compared to the control group.
“Vitamin A is not an essential ingredient in sunscreens,” agrees Dionne. But to say it’s dangerous, I don’t think so, at least for now. Too few studies have looked at it to conclude that it increases the risk of skin cancer, ”he says.
In addition, the active form of vitamin A, retinol, is an essential compound for the skin, which adds to the ambiguity of the report, underlines the pharmacist.
Health Canada says it is “aware” of new concerns about the ingredient retinyl palmitate in sunscreens, but is reassuring. “At present, there is no conclusive data confirming an association between retinyl palmitate and an increased incidence of skin cancer in humans,” said spokesperson Olivia Caron.
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Sunscreens: Ingredients to Avoid and Look for See our article Toxic, sun products? |
Louis M. Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
