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Organic UV filters are frequently used in daily life, and hence are ubiquitously detected in the aquatic environment worldwide. Most monitoring efforts and toxicological studies are, however, limited to a few chemicals like benzophenone-3 (BP-3). In the present study, we chose other major organic UV filters, such as avobenzone (AVB), homosalate (HS), octisalate (OS), and octocrylene (OC), and reviewed information on their use, environmental occurrences, and endocrine disruption effects, available to date. Organic UV filters are used in high volume in many consumer applications, not only in sunscreen products but also in cosmetics, personal care products, home products, and food packaging. Environmental monitoring worldwide reveals that recreational coastal waters are among the hot spots of their contamination. An increasing number of experimental studies indicate that organic UV filters such as octinoxate (OMC), AVB, and HS may cause disruptions in sex hormones. Avobenzene and OMC can also influence thyroid function in experimental models. Observations in human population are rarely made, but OMC and OC have been associated with decreased androgenicity and increase of polycystic ovary syndrome, respectively. Further investigations are warranted to fill the knowledge gaps identified in the present study, to help develop relevant safety screening measures for organic UV filters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:940-950. © 2021 SETAC.

Sunscreens can be categorized as physical and chemical types. Chemical sunscreens are widely used in cosmetics, and hence, their concentration in the desired products should be strictly monitored. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used for the analysis of cosmetics as it does not require organic mobile phases and allows for accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses. In this study, a method based on GC-MS was established for the determination of 13 sunscreen agents in cosmetics: ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, ethylhexyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, 3-benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-3, camphor benzalkonium methosulfate, drometrizole trisiloxane, and isopentyl-4-methoxycinnamate. Accordingly, 0.5 g of the cosmetic product was dissolved in dichloromethane in a 50 mL volumetric flask and extracted ultrasonically for 15 min. Then, 1.0 mL of the extracting solution was withdrawn and diluted to 50.0 mL with dichloromethane. The mixture was filtered through a 0.22-μm membrane. A 1 μL aliquot of the dichloromethane solution was introduced onto the HP-5ms chromatographic column (30 m×250 μm×0.25 μm). The 13 components were separated under programed temperature elevation in the interval from 150 ℃ to 290 ℃. These components could be analyzed within 30 min after being ionized by the EI source, and their determination was achieved in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The external standard method was employed for quantitative determination. Linear equations, linear correlation coefficients, and linear ranges were obtained by analyzing a series of mixed standard working solutions. The limits of detection (LODs, S/N=3) and limits of quantification (LOQs, S/N=10) of the 13 sunscreen agents were determined. The matrix effect and average recoveries of the 13 agents with six extraction solvents (dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, acetonitrile, n-hexane, and acetone) were compared. Among these, dichloromethane showed a weak matrix effect and high average recovery. The matrix effect of dichloromethane was 90.1%-100.5%, and the average recovery was 96.3%. All the 13 sunscreen agents showed good linearity in their corresponding ranges. The correlation coefficients (r 2) were higher than 0.998. The LODs and LOQs were in the ranges of 0.04 to 0.63 mg/g and 0.12 to 2.10 mg/g, respectively. Two types of cosmetics were selected to verify the accuracy and precision of the method at three levels. The average spiked recoveries of the 13 sunscreen agents in cream and lotion were 88.7%-103.6%, and 88.4%-102.3%, respectively; the corresponding relative standard deviations (RSDs, n=6) were 1.7%-4.9% and 1.2%-3.9%. Whitening cosmetics are frequently added with sunscreen agents, which is a regulatory blind spot. Five batches of skin whitening products containing sunscreen agents were detected using this method. The contents of five sunscreen agents in skin whitening cosmetics ranged from 0.8% to 5.2%, which were lower than the relevant limits in China. Owing to its advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity, and good recovery, the proposed method is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative determination of 13 sunscreen agents in cosmetics. This method provides technical support for market supervision and laboratory testing.

This paper is aimed at assessing the occurrence, fate, transport and ecological risk of ten organic UV filters in the aquatic environment of Romania. In influents, the highest concentration levels were determined for benzophenone-1 and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzophenone with values of thousands of ng L−1 (up to 2787 and 1108 ng L−1, respectively). In the sewage sludge samples, the predominant contaminants were those with high hydrophobicity, namely benzyl salicylate, homosalate and ethylhexyl salicylate (up to 1395, 1035 and 688 ng g−1 dw, respectively). Although the removal efficiency of these organic micropollutants in the WWTPs proved to be quite high, over 60% of the UV filters monitored, some of them were also detected in effluents, in relatively high concentrations. Thus, the effluents were dominated by ethylhexyl salicylate and benzophenone-1 with concentrations up to 219 and 181 ng L−1, respectively. In surface waters, the most abundant compounds were found to be benzophenone-1, benzophenone-8 and 4-hydroxybenzophenone, with values up to 206, 108 and 159 ng L−1 respectively. On calculating the risk coefficient of the organic UV filters investigated on various aquatic species, it was observed that for fish, benzophenone-2 presents a medium risk both in effluents and in samples taken downstream of the WWTPs, while benzophenone-1 presents a high risk also in effluents as well as in surface waters taken upstream and downstream of the WWTPs. Among the salicylate derivatives, homosalate was found to present a medium risk for Daphnia magna in both effluents and samples taken downstream of the WWTPs, while ethylhexyl salicylate posed a high risk for freshwater algae in all three types of analyzed samples.

A retrospective analysis of a comprehensive series of high-volume air samples (n = 70) collected during 2010-2011 in Toronto (Canada) was performed. Seven UV compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with sum of concentrations (gas + particle phase) ranging from 80 to 2030 pg/m3. Homosalate (HMS) was the most prevalent organic UV-filter in air (47% of the total concentration), followed by 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS, ∼29%), E- and Z-2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC, ∼17%). Ambient air (gas + particle phase) concentrations of organic UV-filters showed a strong seasonality, with peak levels during the summer. An analysis of Clausius-Clapeyron slopes indicated that much of the ambient burden of organic UV-filters are explained by volatilization from terrestrial and aquatic surfaces and supplemented with human activities and use of lotions and sunscreens, containing organic UV-filters, in addition to its use in plastics, textiles, paints, and pesticides. The results showed that organic UV-filters exist mainly in the gas phase with some exceptions, for instance, octocrylene (OCR), which was associated with both gas and particle phases, and avobenzone (AVB), which was predominantly in the particle phase. Lastly, this study revealed the need for basic physical chemical property data for organic UV-filters, including information on transformation rates and products, for better evaluating their environmental fate and effects. Fil: Pegoraro, César Nicolás. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina Fil: Harner, Tom. Environment And Climate Change Canada; Canadá Fil: Su, Ky. Environment And Climate Change Canada; Canadá Fil: Ahrens, Lutz. Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; Suecia

International audience; SCIENTIFIC ADVICE ON the safety of Homosalate (CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8) as a UV-filter in cosmetic products - SCCS/1638/21 - Scientific AdviceU. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraad, M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, B. Granum, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven, A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von GoetzThe SCCS adopted this document by written proccedure on 2 December 2021Mise en ligne le 3 Décember 2021https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_260.pdfAbstractScientific Advice on the safety of Homosalate (CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8) as a UV-filter in cosmetic productsSCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, B. Granum (Rapporteur), E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. WijnhovenSCCS external experts: A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von GoetzContact: SANTE-C2-SCCS@ec.europa.euOn request from: European CommissionSCCS Number: SCCS/1638/21Adopted on: 2 December 2021Conclusion of the opinion:1. In light of the information provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Homosalate, does the SCCS consider Homosalate safe when used as a UV-filter in face products (face cream and pump spray) up to a maximum concentration of 7.34 %?On the basis of safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Homosalate, the SCCS is of the opinion that Homosalate is safe as a UV-filter at concentrations up to 7.34% in face cream and pump spray.2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Homosalate as a UV-filter in face products (face cream and pump spray)?/Keywords:SCCS, scientific advice, Homosalate, UV-filter, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8Opinion to be cited as:SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Scientific advice on the safety of Homosalate (CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8) as a UV-filter in cosmetic products in cosmetic products, final version of 2 December 2021, SCCS/1638/21.

Eukaryotic cells, including cancer cells, secrete highly heterogeneous populations of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs could have different subcellular origin, composition and functional properties, but tools to distinguish between EV subtypes are scarce. Here, we tagged CD63- or CD9-positive EVs secreted by triple negative breast cancer cells with Nanoluciferase enzyme, to set-up a miniaturized method to quantify secretion of these two EV subtypes directly in the supernatant of cells. We performed a cell-based high-content screening to identify clinically-approved drugs able to affect EV secretion. One of the identified hits is Homosalate, an anti-inflammatory drug found in sunscreens which robustly increased EVs’ release. Comparing EVs induced by Homosalate with those induced by Bafilomycin A1, we discovered that: 1) the two drugs act on EVs generated in distinct subcellular compartments and 2) EVs released upon treatment with Homosalate, but not with Bafilomycin A1, conferred anti-anoikis properties to another recipient tumor cell line. In conclusion, we identified a new drug modifying EV release and demonstrated that under influence of different drugs, triple negative breast cancer cells release EV subpopulations from different subcellular origins harboring distinct functional properties.

Background/objectives Allergic contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis and irritant reactions to sunscreens are common reasons for dermatology consultation. Patch testing for contact allergy relies on up-to-date knowledge of allergen exposures. The aim of this study was to investigate contact allergens and photoallergens in sunscreens commercially sold on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies in New Zealand. Methods A comprehensive market data review of suppliers' websites was performed from March to August 2019 to obtain a list of the commonly sold sunscreens in our region. Ingredients were collated and analysed according to International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names. Ultraviolet (UV) filters, preservatives and fragrances were included for analysis. Place of sale and cost of sunscreens were also recorded. Results Ninety-five sunscreens were analysed: 36% sold in supermarkets, 43% in pharmacies and the remainder available in both. The most frequent UV filters were butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (contained in 70% of products) followed by octocrylene (63%) and homosalate (50%). The common photoallergen benzophenone 3 was found in 19% of products. Phenoxyethanol was the most common preservative (68%) followed by disodium EDTA (30%) and propylparaben (26%). Two sunscreens contained methylisothiazolinone. Sixty-one per cent contained at least one fragrance, the most frequent being limonene (17%) and linalool (13%). There was an average of 1.1 New Zealand baseline series allergens per product (range 0 to 6, standard deviation 1.27). Conclusion Common allergens including those with high sensitising potential were frequently found in New Zealand sunscreen. Knowledge of ingredients used by manufacturers is useful in dermatological assessment of skin contact reactions.

A detailed understanding of the stability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a pharmaceutical dosage form is essential for the drug-development process and for safe and effective use of medicines. Photostability testing as an inherent part of stability studies provides valuable knowledge on degradation pathways and structures of products generated under UV irradiation. Photostability is particularly important for topically administered drugs, as they are more exposed to UV radiation. Bexarotene is a more recent third-generation retinoid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency as a topically applied anticancer agent. The present study aimed to assess bexarotene photostability, including the presence of UV filters, which have been permitted to be used in cosmetic products in Europe and the USA. The bexarotene photostability testing was performed in ethanol solutions and in formulations applied on PMMA plates. The UPLC-MS/MS technique was used to determine the tested substance. The presence of photocatalysts such as TiO2 or ZnO, as well as the organic UV filters avobenzone, benzophenone-3, meradimate, and homosalate, could contribute to degradation of bexarotene under UV irradiation. Four photocatalytic degradation products of bexarotene were identified for the first time. The antiproliferative properties of the degradation products of bexarotene were assessed by MTT assay on a panel of human adherent cancer cells, and concentration-dependent growth inhibition was evidenced on all tested cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the formed products after 4 h of UV irradiation was significantly higher than that of the parent compound (p &lt, 0.05). Furthermore non-cancerous murine fibroblasts exhibited marked concentration-dependent inhibition by bexarotene, while the degradation products elicited more pronounced antiproliferative action only at the highest applied concentration.

A fast and simple ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography using diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) technique has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 22 sunscreen agents (UV filters), viz. phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (PBS), terephthalydene dicamphor sulfonic acid (TDS), benzophenone-4 (BZ4), camphor benzalkonium methosulfate (CBM), benzophenone-2 (BZ2), benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid (BCS), benzophenone-3 (BZ3), 3-benzylidene camphor (3BC), isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate (IMC), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (MBC), diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), octocrylene (OCR), butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane (BDM), ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA (EDP), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EMC), homosalate (HS), ethylhexyl salicylate (ES), diethylhexyl butamido triazone (DBT), ethylhexyl triazone (ET), drometrizole trisiloxane (DRT), methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBP), and bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (EMT) in cosmetic products. Different parameters, such as column type, oven temperature, mobile phase composition, and detection wavelength, were studied. The best chromatographic separation was obtained under the following conditions: Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (100 mm×4.6 mm, 2.7 μm) column set at 25 ℃ and gradient acetonitrile-isopropanol-water (containing 50 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.05% (v/v) formic acid) as the mobile phase, pumped at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min, with a wavelength of 311 nm. The proposed UHPLC-DAD technique provided separation of the 22 target sunscreen agents within 35 min, with the optimized sample pretreatment procedure below. First, samples were mixed thoroughly by adding 2 mL or 5 mL tetrahydrofuran, followed by vortex and dispersal. If the wax samples were still not homogenized completely, an ultrasonic dispersal protocol with heating to 50 ℃ was adopted. Second, the homogeneous samples were ultrasonically extracted with ethanol containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. The developed method showed good linear relationships, with correlation coefficients of no less than 0.998. Two kinds of samples with different matrix types were fortified at three levels. The average spiked recoveries of 22 UV filters ranged from 85.2% to 112.3%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 0.5% to 6.5%. The limits of detection were between 0.7 and 64 mg/kg, and the limits of quantification ranged from 2.4 mg/kg to 215 mg/kg. Moreover, the stabilities of the mixed standard solutions at the levels of 2, 10, and 50 mg/L were tested. The stability results showed that drometrizole trisiloxane was stable for 12 h, while the others were stable for 36 h. The reliability of the developed method was demonstrated by applying it to 16 commercial sunscreen-containing cosmetic samples obtained from the Chinese market. The levels determined in this study agreed well with those of five commercial samples (such as emulsion and cream). The method developed was remarkably different from the standard method, which is mentioned in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition), especially in terms of mobile phase composition and extraction solvent. Compared to the standard method, this method bypassed the use of large amounts of corrosive solvents like tetrahydrofuran and perchloric acid, thus improving the extraction efficiency of low-polarity components like drometrizole trisiloxane, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, and bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, and the analytes were well separated with better stability. Benzophenone-2 was added to this method as another detection component. The good analytical features, as well as their environment-friendly characteristics, make the presented method suitable not only for routine analysis in cosmetics industries, but also as a candidate reference method for sunscreen analysis.

International audience; Conclusion of the opinion:1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of homosalate, does the SCCS consider homosalate safe when used as a UV-filter in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 10 %?On the basis of safety assessment of homosalate, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS has concluded that homosalate is not safe when used as a UV-filter in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 10%.2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of homosalate as a UV-filter in cosmetic products?In the SCCS’s opinion, the use of homosalate as a UV filter in cosmetic products is safe for the consumer up to a maximum concentration of 0.5% homosalate in the final product.3. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of homosalate in cosmetic products?It needs to be noted that the SCCS has regarded the currently available evidence for endocrine disrupting properties of homosalate as inconclusive, and at best equivocal. This applies to all of the available data derived from in silico modelling, in vitro tests and in vivo studies, when considered individually or taken together. The SCCS considers that, whilst there are indications from some studies to suggest that homosalate may have endocrine effects, the evidence is not conclusive enough at present to enable deriving a specific endocrine-related toxicological point of departure for use in safety assessment.Exposure to homosalate from other products than those in this Opinion has not been considered.Combined exposure to salicylic acid either formed by metabolic transformation from homosalate, other salicylates (e.g. methylsalicylate) or directly from salicylic acid itself has not been considered in this opinion.The use of Homosalate at the lower concentrations may have a bearing on efficacy as UV-filter, however this is outside the SCCS remit to assess the efficacy of cosmetic ingredients.Keywords: SCCS, scientific opinion, homosalate, UV-filter, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8Opinion to be cited as:SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on homosalate (CAS No 118-56-9, EC No 204-260-8), preliminary version of 27-28 October 2020, final version of 24-25 June 2021, SCCS/1622/20.

The efficiency of elimination of organic UV filters by ozonation and UV254nm/H2O2 processes was assessed and predicted in simulated treatments of sewage-impaired drinking water and wastewater effluent in bench-scale experiments. Second-order rate constants (k) for the reactions of the eight UV filters with ozone and OH were determined by quantum chemical calculations and competition kinetics methods, respectively. The UV filters containing phenolic (ethylhexyl-salicylate, homosalate, and benzophenone-3) and olefinic moieties (4-methylbenzylidene-camphor, benzyl-cinnamate, and 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate) showed high ozone reactivity (k ≥ 8 × 104 M−1s−1 at pH 7), while those without such electron-rich moieties (isoamyl-benzoate and benzophenone) were ozone-refractory. All the UV filters showed high OH reactivity (k ≥ 6.2 × 109 M−1s−1). In concordance with the rate constant information, the phenolic and olefinic UV filters were efficiently eliminated by ozone treatment, requiring specific ozone doses of OH was the main contributor to their elimination in the UV254nm/H2O2 treatment. A chemical kinetics approach developed previously for ozonation and UV/H2O2 processes was shown to predict the elimination of the UV filters in the tested water matrices reasonably well, demonstrating that the chemical kinetics method can be used for a priori prediction of micropollutant elimination in oxidative treatment processes for potable reuse of municipal wastewater effluents.

Background UV filters should be determined a strict toxicological safety prior to approval. Homosalate (HMS) is one of the most widely used organic UV filter. HMS accumulates in aquatic biota ecosystems and humans through the food chain; therefore, it is important to consider the effects on health and know its mechanisms of action. Aims The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of HMS in MCF-7 cell line. Methods Cell viability was examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell membrane integrity by the lactate dehydrogenase release assays (LDH), and genotoxicity by using the micronucleus test at 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 2000 µM concentrations with the human breast cell line MCF-7. Results Homosalate affected the cell viability dose-dependently at a concentrations of above 1000 µM. Micronucleus formation was significantly induced at 750 and 1000 µM within 24 hours due to an increase in cytostatic effect, the cell viability of HMS decreased to 57% at a concentration of 2000 µM, and a sufficient number of binucleated cells could not be obtained to count. Homosalate was also clastogenic when the cells were incubated at cytotoxic concentrations. Conclusion These results suggest that homosalate can be considered as a cytotoxic and genotoxic substance.

Globally, the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the environment has raised critical questions on ecological and human health, but few efforts have focused on the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. Here, 43 antibiotics, 3 estrogenic hormones, and 5 ultraviolet-filters (UV-filters), which are active ingredients in a variety of personal care products, were measured in water, sediment, and oyster tissue from 14 sites along the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Fluoroquinolone, macrolide, and sulfonamide antibiotics were detected in water samples. As both human- and animal-labeled antibiotics were found, wastewater effluent and agricultural runoff were identified as potential sources. The highest aqueous-phase concentrations were recorded for norfloxacin (94.1 ng/L), enrofloxacin (17.8 ng/L), sulfamethoxazole (14.8 ng/L), and clarithromycin (9.7 ng/L). Estrone and four UV-filters, namely 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, homosalate, and octocrylene, were frequently detected in Chesapeake Bay water (93–100%), sediment (100%), and oyster tissue (79–100%). High sediment-phase concentrations of estrone (58.4 ng/g) and 17β-estradiol (11.5 ng/g) were detected at the mouth of the Manokin River. Homosalate and benzophenone-3 were present at concentrations as high as 187.9 and 113.7 ng/L in water, 74.2 and 10.8 ng/g in sediment, and 158.3 and 118.0 ng/g in oyster tissue, respectively. These results demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of CECs in the Chesapeake Bay, confirm UV-filter bioaccumulation in oysters, and suggest the need for improved CEC removal during municipal wastewater treatment and agricultural waste management within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Homosalate is an organic ultraviolet filter used in most sunscreens but has been reported to be toxic to marine organisms. The estrogenic activity of homosalate has also been reported, but its endocrine-disrupting effect remains unclear. Although homosalate has been detected in human placental tissues, its effect on the survival of human trophoblast cells needs to be investigated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated if HTR8/SVneo, a human trophoblast cell line, treated with homosalate showed decreasing proliferative activity in a dose-dependent manner. Homosalate promoted the death of HTR8/SVneo cells with elevated lipid peroxidation and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. It also induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial morphological disturbances associated with the differentiation of human trophoblast cells. However, when the intracellular Ca2+ or reactive oxygen species were removed using BAPTA-AM or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the cell proliferation suppressed by homosalate was restored. Homosalate also significantly inhibited the invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, it modulated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, which were involved in the cross-talk between both signaling pathways in HTR8/SVneo cells. Thus, homosalate adversely affects the survival, proliferation, and invasiveness of human trophoblast cells and therefore pregnant women should practice caution while using personal care products containing homosalate.

Recent legislative measures restricting the sale of sunscreens containing certain ultraviolet light filtering ingredients (UVFs) have been based on a perception of risk to aquatic life despite the lack of a robust data set to support these decisions. Concerns were focused on the potential for recreational swimmers' and divers' sunscreen use to result in exposures to coral already stressed due to climate change, disease, and other local conditions. In published environmental risk assessments for UVFs, exposure estimates were based on episodic environmental monitoring or estimates of typical sunscreen use, arbitrarily assuming the portion rinsed off from skin in seawater. To improve the accuracy of exposure estimates and thereby develop more robust risk assessments, we measured the amount of the UVFs, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone released to seawater from four sunscreen products (two lotions, one spray, one stick) in a novel porcine skin model of typical human sunscreen use. Sunscreen was applied to porcine skin, allowed to briefly dry, then exposed to four rinse cycles in artificial seawater. The mass of each UVF in seawater, partitioned from seawater onto glassware, and extractable from skin after rinsing were determined. The proportion rinsed from skin varied by UVF, by formula type, and by application rate. Less than 1.4% of applied octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene was detected in seawater samples (independent of formula) increasing to an average of 4% and 8% for avobenzone in stick and lotion forms, and to 24% for oxybenzone in lotions. The initial data show substantial differences in rinse‐off among formulation types and sunscreen application rates, and stress the importance of using UVF‐specific rinse‐off values rather than a single value for all UVFs. This new method provides a tool for more robust exposure estimates, with initial data supporting lower rinse‐off values than adopted in published risk assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:961–966. © 2021 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)., KEY POINTS Regulatory decisions on sunscreen use have been made on the basis of potential risk to coral, but published risk assessments for sunscreens' ultraviolet light filter (UVF) ingredients lack empirical data to establish their rinse‐off rate from swimmers' skin into seawater.A method was developed to reproducibly simulate rinse‐off of UVFs in sunscreen from skin into seawater, and the method was tested for stick, lotion, and spray formula types.Rinse‐off of the five UVFs in these formulas—octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone—varied substantially and depended on the sunscreen formula type and application rate.The initial results suggest that published risk assessments adopted artificially high rinse‐off rates, and future assessments should account for differences among UVFs and for the sunscreen formula types used.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Polyurethane foam (PUF), a proven sampling medium for measuring air concentrations of organic compounds, is widely used in upholstered home furniture. We evaluated the potential utility of couch PUF as a passive sampler and as a reservoir for non-flame retardant semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). METHODS: We collected PUF samples from 13 California home couches, measured concentrations (C(PUF)) of 64 SVOCs at three different depths (i.e., top, top-middle, and middle from couch surfaces facing outward), and examined concentration changes with depth. To calculate the PUF-air partition coefficient (K(PUF-air) = C(PUF)/C(air) = C(PUF) × K(dust-air)/C(dust)), we used the calculated dust-air partition coefficient (K(dust-air)) with the octanol-air partition coefficient (K(oa)) and dust concentrations (C(dust)) simultaneously collected and measured. We used K(PUF-air) to compute fugacity capacity of PUF and chemical mass distribution among various indoor compartments and PUF. RESULTS: Among 29 detected compounds, 11 compounds were detected in more than 50% of the samples at all depths. Among the 11 compounds, concentrations of phenanthrene, 2-benzylideneoctanal, galaxolide, tonalide, and homosalate decreased with depth. Among the studied SVOCs, more than 20% of the total mass was distributed to couch PUF for phenol and compounds in skin-applied products (i.e., 2-benzylideoneoctanal, galaxolide, and homosalate). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that couch PUF can absorb many SVOCs and may be an important reservoir for some SVOCs. However, it may not be an effective passive sampling medium for those that have relatively high K(oa) values. Direct dermal contact with couch seats may be an important exposure route for non-users of skin-applied compounds.

Estrogenic hormones and organic ultraviolet-filters (UV-filters) have attracted increased attention as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their potent estrogenicity and widespread occurrence in the environment. This study investigated the accumulation of three estrogenic hormones and five UV-filters in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Exposure experiments were conducted for 42 days with a mixture of EDCs at two environmentally-relevant design concentrations (i.e., 500 and 5000 ng L−1). The aqueous-phase EDC concentrations decreased over time and were re-established every two days. Within 14 days of exposure, the five UV-filters were measured at 2.2 to 265 ng g−1 (dry weight) in crayfish tail tissue. Only one estrogenic hormone, 17β-estradiol, was detected in the crayfish at 10.4–13.5 ng g−1. No apparent changes were observed for EDC concentrations in the tail tissue over the next four weeks of exposure. The apparent bioaccumulation factors for the EDCs ranged from 23 L (kg tail tissue, dry weight)−1 for 4-methylbenzylidene camphor to 1050 L (kg tail tissue, dry weight)−1 for 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate. EDC input was stopped after 42 days, and the more hydrophobic UV-filters (i.e., octocrylene, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, homosalate) were found to be persistent throughout a 14-d elimination period. A lyticase-assisted yeast estrogen screen demonstrated that the residual estrogenic activity of water samples aligned with (or was lower than) predictions from targeted chemical analysis. These results suggest that the transformation products did not contribute significant estrogenicity, although further analysis of endocrine disruption outcomes in crayfish is recommended.

Homosalate (HMS) is a salicylate molecule that is commonly included within commercial sunscreen formulations to provide protection from the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. In the present work, the mechanisms by which HMS provides UV photoprotection are unravelled, using a multi-pronged approach involving a combination of time-resolved ultrafast laser spectroscopy in the gas-phase and in solution, laser-induced fluorescence, steady-state absorption spectroscopy, and computational methods. The unique combination of these techniques allow us to show that theenoltautomer of HMS undergoes ultrafast excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) upon photoexcitation in the UVB (290–320 nm) region; once in theketotautomer, the excess energy is predominantly dissipated non-radiatively. Sharp transitions are observed in the LIF spectrum at close-to-origin excitation energies, which points towards the potential presence of a second conformer that does not undergo ESIPT. These studies demonstrate that, overall, HMS exhibits mostly favourable photophysical characteristics of a UV filter for inclusion in sunscreen formulations.

The presence of pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) residues in the aquatic environment is an emerging issue due to their uncontrolled release through gray water, and accumulation in the environment that may affect living organisms, ecosystems and public health. The aim of this study is to assess the toxicity of benzophenone-3 (BP-3), bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM), methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT), 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (ES), diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), diethylhexyl butamido triazone (DBT), ethylhexyl triazone (ET), homosalate (HS) and octocrylene (OC) on marine organisms from two major trophic levels, including autotrophs (Tetraselmis sp.) and heterotrophs (Artemia salina). In general, results showed that both HS and OC were the most toxic UV filters for our tested species, followed by a significant effect of BM on Artemia salina due to BM&mdash, but only at high concentrations (1 mg/L). ES, BP3 and DHHB affected the metabolic activity of the microalgae at 100 &micro, g/L. BEMT, DBT, ET, MBBT had no effect on the tested organisms, even at high concentrations (2 mg/L). OC toxicity represents a risk for those species, since concentrations used in this study are 15&ndash, 90 times greater than those reported in occurrence studies for aquatic environments. For the first time in the literature, we report HS toxicity on a microalgae species at concentrations complementing those found in aquatic environments. These preliminary results could represent a risk in the future if concentrations of OC and HS continue to increase.

Rationale Exposure to UV light can induce adverse effects on human health, such as photo-aging, immunosuppression, and cancer. Sunscreens are used to prevent the absorption of UV rays, but certain UV-filtering compounds have been shown to disrupt endocrine systems or act as carcinogens. To assess the effects of the exposure to such compounds, it is important to study the pathways by which they are biotransformed in the body. Methods Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS/MS) was employed to evaluate the oxidative metabolism and, specifically, the formation of reactive metabolites of six active ingredients commonly used in sunscreen formulations: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate. In vitro incubations were performed with human and rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione. An LC/HRMS/MS method was developed to identify metabolites employing a biphenyl reversed-phase column for separating parent molecules, metabolites, and glutathione (GSH) adducts. Results Each tested compound resulted in the formation of several metabolites, including at least one GSH adduct. Compounds containing ester groups were hydrolyzed, and some metabolites of the free acid forms were also detected. High-resolution MS/MS data was crucial for the structural elucidation of metabolites and GSH adducts. Fragmentation pathways were proposed for all parent compounds, as well as each described metabolite and adduct. Conclusions The results of this study will help better understand the metabolism and detoxification pathways of these xenobiotics.

International audience; Organic UV filters are of emerging concern due to their occurrence and persistence in coastal ecosystems. Because marine bacteria are crucial in the major biogeochemical cycles, there is an urgent need to understand to what extent these microorganisms are affected by those chemicals. This study deciphers the impact of five common sunscreen UV filters on twenty-seven marine bacteria, combining both photobiology and toxicity analysis on environmentally relevant species. Seven bacteria were sensitive to different organic UV filters at 1000 μg L−1, including octinoxate and oxybenzone. This is the first report demonstrating inhibition of bacterial growth from 100 μg L−1. None of the UV filters showed any toxicity at 1000 μg L−1 on stationary phase cells, demonstrating that physiological state was found to be a key parameter in the bacterial response to UV-filters. Indeed, non-growing bacteria were resistant to UV filters whereas growing cells exhibited UV filter dependent sensitivity. Octinoxate was the most toxic chemical at 1000 μg L−1 on growing cells. Interestingly, photobiology experiments revealed that the toxicity of octinoxate and homosalate decreased after light exposure while the other compounds were not affected. In terms of environmental risk characterization, our results revealed that the increasing use of sun blockers could have detrimental impacts on bacterioplanktonic communities in coastal areas. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the most common UV filters on bacterial species and corroborate the importance to consider environmental parameters such as solar radiation in ecotoxicology studies.

When the human exposure to nuclear radiation such as gamma ray, neutrons or charged particles (protons and alpha) it may cause the menacing consequences of skin organ. The devastating effects of nuclear radiation pose a need radioprotective for protecting the skin organ and to avoid the deadly related to these radiations. The sunblock agents samples: Padimate O (SB1), Homosalate (SB2), Dioxybenzone (SB3) Sulisobenzone (SB4), titanium dioxide (SB5) and zinc oxide (SB6) have been studied in terms of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, buildup factors, fast neutron removal cross section and proton, alpha and electron mass stopping power. The results showed that the ZnO sunblock agent (SB6) has better shielding properties followed by TiO2 sunblock agent (SB5). This study could be very useful to develop novel pharmacological compounds used in radioprotection, medical diagnostics, and radiation therapy.

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a ubiquitous compound used to treat acne, reduce wrinkles and protect against conditions like psoriasis and ichthyosis. While retinol is used as the primary active ingredient (AI) in many skin care formulations, its efficacy is often limited by an extreme sensitivity to degrade and toxicity at high concentrations. While microencapsulation is an appealing method to help overcome these issues, few microencapsulation strategies have made a major translational impact due to challenges with complexity, cost, limited protection of the AI and poor control of the release of the AI. We have developed a class of silicone particles that addresses these challenges for the encapsulation, protection and controlled release of retinol and other hydrophobic compounds. The particles are prepared by the sol-gel polymerization of silane monomers, which enables their rapid and facile synthesis at scale while maintaining a narrow size distribution (i.e., CV 85%), (ii) protect retinol from degradation (yielding a half-life 9× greater than unencapsulated retinol) and (iii) slowly release retinol over several hours (at rates from 0.14 to 0.67 μg cm−2 s−1/2). To demonstrate that the controlled release of retinol from the particles can reduce irritation, we performed a double blind study on human subjects and found that formulations containing our particles were 12–23% less irritating than identical formulations containing Microsponge® particles (an industry standard by Amcol, Inc.). To show that the silicone particles can elicit a favorable biological response, similar to the Microsponge® particles, we applied both formulations to reconstructed human epidermal tissues and found an upregulation of keratin 19 (K19) and a downregulation of K10, indicating that the reduced irritation observed in the human study was not caused by reduced activity. We also found a decrease in the production of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) compared to formulations containing the Microsponge particles, suggesting lower irritation levels and supporting the findings from the human study. Finally, we show that the silicone particles can encapsulate other AIs, including betamethasone, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), homosalate and ingenol mebutate, establishing these particles as a true platform technology.