Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

SOLBAR ZINC SUN PROTECTION CREAM

last updated: 04/03/08 brand: Solbar by Person & Covey, Inc.

SCORE

	health hazard
	sun hazard

76%

data gap

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21% of anti-agings have lower concerns
15% of sunscreen: SPF greater than 30s have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Non-signer: This company has not signed the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company's animal testing policy is unknown.

Sunscreen effectiveness* breakdown

0	UVB hazard/exposure score
3	UVA hazard/exposure score
0	sunscreen instability

*Note that the same active ingredient combination may score differently in two different products depending on the concentration of the ingredients and the mixture of inactive ingredients.

Active ingredient UV
blocking strength

Product total

ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm) (7.5%)

OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (7.5%)

HOMOSALATE (10%)

Note to manufacturers: We have assumed a typical particle size for the mineral(s) in your product based on typical industry use. We welcome specific data from manufacturers if actual particle size is different.

Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, restrictions & warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

Note from EWG: Unlike many other kinds of personal care products, sunscreen can provide health benefits, protecting against the sun's cancer-causing UV radiation. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Health officials recommend wearing sunscreen as one of many important steps to minimize skin cancer risk. (more sun safety tips)

Ingredients from packaging: Active Ingredients:Zinc Oxide (Z-Cote HP1) 7.5%; Octyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%; Homosalate 10%. Inactive Ingredients:Purified Water; Isobutyl Stearate; Glyceryl Stearate; PEG-100 Stearate; Glycerin; Glyceryl Dilaurate; PVP/Eicosene Copolymer; Dimethicone; Cyclomethicone; DEA-Cetyl Phosphate; Stearyl Alcohol; Steareth-20; Cetyl Alcohol; Benzyl Alcohol; Citric Acid; Xanthan Gum; Disodium EDTA .

Directions from packaging: Apply SOLBAR ZINC cream liberally and evenly to DRY skin, 15-20 minutes before sun exposure and massage in gently. Reapply to DRY skin after prolonged swimming, outdoor physical activity, excessive perspiration or towel drying. Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen during prolonged sun exposure every 2 hours. There is no recommended dosage for children under six (6) months of age, except under the advice of a physician.

Warnings from packaging: For external use only. Not to be swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If irritation or sensitization occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately.Image may vary from actual product due to Continuous manufacturer Product updates. Information we provide is for your reference only

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (Active Ingredient)	8	65%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes
ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm) ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE HP1) (Active Ingredient)	3	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
PEG-100 STEARATE	4	69%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
BENZYL ALCOHOL	6	64%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
HOMOSALATE (Active Ingredient)	4	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (SALICYLIC ACID, TRIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANOL)
DISODIUM EDTA	3	78%	Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Enhanced skin absorption
DIMETHICONE	2	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
CITRIC ACID	3	72%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
CYCLOMETHICONE	2	83%	Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
ISOBUTYL STEARATE	1	90%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE GLYCERYL STEARATE	1	88%	none identified
STEARETH-20	1	88%	none identified
CETYL ALCOHOL	1	87%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
STEARYL ALCOHOL	1	84%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
GLYCERYL DILAURATE	1	74%	none identified
DEA-CETYL PHOSPHATE	0	94%	none identified
VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER	0	94%	none identified
XANTHAN GUM	0	94%	none identified
WATER	0	0%	innocuous

Cancer*

*This table includes all possible cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses		STEARYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses		PEG-100 STEARATE
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		GLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, BENZYL ALCOHOL

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses		PEG-100 STEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, BENZYL ALCOHOL,
One or more animal studies show developmental effects at high doses		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		GLYCERIN

Violations, restrictions & warnings*

*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		PEG-100 STEARATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL DILAURATE
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel		DIMETHICONE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		CITRIC ACID, ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit)	products for use around the eyes; products for use on the lips	OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in cosmetics (concentration limit)		HOMOSALATE

Neurotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity		BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses		GLYCERIN, ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at low doses		DISODIUM EDTA

Endocrine disruption*

*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
One or more studies show weak endocrine disruption		HOMOSALATE
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCERIN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more human case studies show possible allergenic effects		BENZYL ALCOHOL, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)

Persistence and bioaccumulation*

*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Not suspected to be persistent		CETYL ALCOHOL
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife		CYCLOMETHICONE
Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show metabolic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		BENZYL ALCOHOL,
One or more animal studies show liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)	products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips	STEARYL ALCOHOL, CYCLOMETHICONE, CETYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		STEARETH-20,
One or more animal studies show classified as toxic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity		PEG-100 STEARATE
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at low doses		DISODIUM EDTA
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses	products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips	CITRIC ACID
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN

Ecotoxicology*

*This table includes all possible ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		CYCLOMETHICONE
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		CETYL ALCOHOL
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		CETYL ALCOHOL, PEG-100 STEARATE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		CITRIC ACID, CYCLOMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
Human any irritant - strong evidence	products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne)	ISOBUTYL STEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL

Data gaps*

*This table includes all possible data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		GLYCERYL DILAURATE, STEARETH-20
Considered safe based on assumption of low absorption		GLYCERYL DILAURATE
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		ISOBUTYL STEARATE
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		STEARETH-20
Insufficient data to determine safety		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		PEG-100 STEARATE
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		GLYCERYL DILAURATE
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		PEG-100 STEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, ISOBUTYL STEARATE, DIMETHICONE, CYCLOMETHICONE, CETYL ALCOHOL
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		XANTHAN GUM, VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER, CITRIC ACID, DEA-CETYL PHOSPHATE, GLYCERIN, HOMOSALATE, ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)

Occupational hazards*

*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses		ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE, 60nm)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease.		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		CITRIC ACID, CYCLOMETHICONE, GLYCERIN