Octocrylene & Benzophenone, California Prop 65 Ingredients

Chemical sunscreen and the ingredient Octocrylene have been a recent topic of national conversation. We do have one product, Daily SPF30 Lotion, that is formulated with Octocrylene. 

The purpose of this document is to:  

• Assure you that Face Reality Daily SPF30 Lotion is routinely tested for safety. 
• Ensure you have all the information you need as a Certified Acne Expert to educate your clients. 
• Help you make informed decisions as it pertains to sunscreen products.  

 

Here’s a break down on what you need to know: 

 

What are Octocrylene and Benzophenone? 

Octocrylene is a common chemical sunscreen ingredient that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, helps boost sunscreen efficacy and protect other UV absorbers from breaking down. Octocrylene is a choice ingredient for many chemical sunscreens because of its overall photostability (it doesn’t break down quickly under UV light). The chemical Benzophenone is found in trace amounts when Octocrylene is used. Benzophenone cannot be removed entirely when Octocrylene is processed. 

  

What is the FDA’s guidance on Octocrylene? 

The FDA has evaluated that Octocrylene is considered safe when used in up to 10% of the formula. Our chemical sunscreen Daily SPF30 Lotion is formulated with only 2.8% of Octocrylene. 

 

Why is Benzophenone listed under California Prop 65? 

Exposure to Benzophenone may increase the risk of cancer. Exposure may occur by eating foods containing Benzophenone, by breathing air that contains Benzophenone that is released from some floor finishes, and through use of consumer products such as lotions, soaps, body washes, nail polish, and air freshening products. 

 

Does Face Reality have a Prop 65 warning for Benzophenone? 

Yes, even though the Prop 65 warning is above and beyond what is required. Out of respect for our Certified Acne Experts and their clients, Face Reality is committed to providing transparency—which is consistent with the intent of Prop 65—to highlight that trace amounts of Benzophenone could occur in sunscreens that use Octocrylene. 

 

What is California Prop 65? 

California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.  Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals. 

You may notice Prop 65 warnings on common items like household appliances, furniture, food, and cookware. 

https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/benzophenone 

 

Are there alternatives available to sunscreens that use Octocrylene? 

Yes, we offer two different sunscreen products: Daily SPF30 Lotion which is a chemical-based sunscreen that is formulated with Octocrylene, and Ultimate Protection SPF28 which is a mineral-based sunscreen that is formulated with both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. We do not have a backbar size mineral sunscreen currently—some Experts opt to use the retail size in the treatment room.