AVEENO CONTINUOUS PROTECTION SUNBLOCK SPRAY, SPF 45
last updated: 03/15/09 brand: Aveeno by Johnson & Johnson
PRODUCT USES
sunscreen: SPF greater than 30
COMPANY POLICIES
Compact for Safe Cosmetics
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Animal Testing Policy |
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Sunscreen effectiveness* breakdown
| HIGH | UVB sunburn protection |
| MEDIUM | UVA protection |
| HIGH | sunscreen stability |
*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 |
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 Product total |
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| AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE) (3%) |
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| HOMOSALATE (15%) |
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| OCTISALATE (5%) |
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| OCTOCRYLENE (2.4%) |
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| OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (7.5%) |
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| OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) (5%) |
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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), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, 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: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.4%, Oxybenzone 6%, Dimethicone 1%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Oxybenzone 5%, Other Ingredients: Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diethylhexyl-2-6-Napthalate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Soybean Seed Extract - Glycine Soja, Isobutane, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Retinyl Palmitate, SD-Alcohol 40-B, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane, Oat Kernel Flour - Avena Sativa, Beeswax, BHT, Shea Butter Extract - Butyrospermum Parkii, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carnauba Wax - Copernicia Cerifera, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Castor Seed Oil - Ricinus Communis, Jojoba Seed Oil - Simmondsia Chinensis, Stearyl Alcohol, Vanillin, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Corn Oil - Zea Mays
Directions from packaging: Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray with SPF 45:See product label for complete directions.Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15:Apply generously before sun exposure.Children Under 6 Months of Age: Ask a doctor.
Warnings from packaging: Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray with SPF 45:For external use only.When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove.Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts.Keep out of reach of children.If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control center right away.Flammable.Contents under pressure.Do not use near fire, heat or while smoking.Do not puncture or incinerate.Store at temperature below 120 degrees F / 48 degrees C.Use only as directed.Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15:Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens or symptom persists for more than 7 days.Keep out of reach of children.If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
user reviews & comments
| rosiegrins | "within 30 minutes of spraying this on my arms, i felt sick to my stomach. it was hard to focus and my body felt limp and weak. i slowed down to the po ..." | Read more. | ||
| m14 |  | "this sunscreen was kinda thick and left me burnt even after about 30 minutes in the sun. to have this product work, most would have to re-apply about ..." | Read more. |
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ingredients
| score | data gap | concerns | |
| OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) (Active Ingredient) | 9 | 55% | Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| FRAGRANCE | 8 | 100% | Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Miscellaneous |
| OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (Active Ingredient) | 6 | 65% | Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| ISOBUTANE | 6 | 79% | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (BUTADIENE), Occupational hazards |
| BHT | 6 | 61% | Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| RETINYL PALMITATE | 5 | 68% | Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| SD ALCOHOL 40B | 4 | 81% | Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Enhanced skin absorption |
| TOCOPHERYL ACETATE | 4 | 81% | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE) |
| HOMOSALATE (Active Ingredient) | 4 | 74% | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (SALICYLIC ACID, TRIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANOL) |
| OCTISALATE (Active Ingredient) | 3 | 68% | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption |
| PPG-5-CETETH-20 | 3 | 93% | Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | 2 | 79% | Persistence and bioaccumulation |
| DIMETHICONE | 2 | 74% | Violations, restrictions & warnings |
| OCTOCRYLENE (Active Ingredient) | 3 | 71% | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| PETROLATUM | 2 | 94% | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (PAHS) |
| TRISILOXANE | 1 | 89% | Persistence and bioaccumulation |
| VANILLIN | 2 | 82% | none identified |
| CASTOR OIL CASTOR SEED OIL - RICINUS COMMUNIS | 2 | 80% | Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption |
| PARAFFIN | 2 | 80% | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards |
| ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL CORN OIL - ZEA MAYS | 2 | 79% | Neurotoxicity |
| AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE) (Active Ingredient) | 2 | 73% | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Contamination concerns (BENZOIC ACID, 4-T-BUTYLBENZOIC ACID, BENZALDEHYDE, P-ANISIC ACID, ACETOPHENONE, DIBENZOYLMETHANE) |
| CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE | 0 | 94% | none identified |
| ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE | 1 | 92% | Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) |
| OZOKERITE | 1 | 91% | none identified |
| ASCORBYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN C PALMITATE) | 1 | 88% | none identified |
| SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL JOJOBA SEED OIL - SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS | 1 | 87% | none identified |
| STEARYL ALCOHOL | 1 | 84% | Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) |
| ACRYLATES/ DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER | 0 | 100% | none identified |
| ACRYLATES/ OCTYLACRYLAMIDE COPOLYMER | 0 | 100% | none identified |
| BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER) EXTRACT SHEA BUTTER EXTRACT - BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII | 0 | 100% | none identified |
| DIETHYLHEXYL 2,6-NAPHTHALATE DIETHYLHEXYL-2-6-NAPTHALATE | 0 | 100% | none identified |
| GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT SOYBEAN SEED EXTRACT - GLYCINE SOJA | 0 | 100% | none identified |
| AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL FLOUR OAT KERNEL FLOUR - AVENA SATIVA | 0 | 94% | none identified |
| VP/ EICOSENE COPOLYMER | 0 | 94% | none identified |
| BEESWAX | 0 | 93% | none identified |
| COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX CARNAUBA WAX - COPERNICIA CERIFERA | 0 | 93% | none identified |
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 | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, STEARYL ALCOHOL | |
| One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses | PARAFFIN | |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | VANILLIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, | |
| One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results | AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE) | |
| Cancer - limited evidence | SD ALCOHOL 40B, RETINYL PALMITATE | |
| Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen | BHT |
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 | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, BHT | |
| 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 | VANILLIN | |
| One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at low doses | RETINYL PALMITATE | |
| Limited evidence of developmental toxicity | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity | SD ALCOHOL 40B, CASTOR OIL |
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) |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics | RETINYL PALMITATE | |
| Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel | DIMETHICONE | |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit) | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), OCTISALATE, AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE), HOMOSALATE, OCTOCRYLENE |
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) |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses | RETINYL PALMITATE | |
| nervous system - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study | SD ALCOHOL 40B | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses | VANILLIN | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at low doses | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, BHT | |
| Moderate evidence of human neurotoxicity | FRAGRANCE |
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 - moderate evidence | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more studies show weak endocrine disruption | HOMOSALATE | |
| One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses | BHT | |
| Human any disruptor - strong evidence | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) |
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) |
| Associated with immunotoxicity | AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE) | |
| One or more human case studies show possible photoallergic effects | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OCTISALATE | |
| Human skin toxicant - strong evidence | TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ISOBUTANE | |
| Known human immune system toxicant | BHT, FRAGRANCE | |
| Possible human photoallergenic toxicant | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) |
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 bioaccumulative | ISOBUTANE, PETROLATUM | |
| Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | |
| Found to be persistent and bioaccumulative in wildlife | OCTOCRYLENE | |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife | TRISILOXANE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE |
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) |
| Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful | PARAFFIN, PETROLATUM, ISOBUTANE | |
| 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 liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | OCTOCRYLENE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN C PALMITATE) | |
| One or more animal studies show liver effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, | |
| One or more animal studies show cardiovascular effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | VANILLIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, OCTISALATE | |
| Limited evidence of skin toxicity | RETINYL PALMITATE, SD ALCOHOL 40B | |
| One or more animal studies show respiratory effects at low doses | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | BHT |
Miscellaneous*
*This table includes all possible miscellaneous 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) |
| Occupational hazards related to handling | SD ALCOHOL 40B | |
| Ingredient not fully labeled - identity unknown | FRAGRANCE | |
| Occupational hazards related to handling | ISOBUTANE |
Multiple, additive exposure sources*
*This table includes all possible multiple, additive exposure sources 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) |
| Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food | TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VANILLIN, STEARYL ALCOHOL, RETINYL PALMITATE, PETROLATUM, PARAFFIN, ISOBUTANE, DIMETHICONE, CASTOR OIL, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, BHT, BEESWAX, ASCORBYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN C PALMITATE) | |
| Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available | SD ALCOHOL 40B, ISOBUTANE |
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) |
| Not suspected to be an environmental toxin | PETROLATUM, ISOBUTANE | |
| Wildlife and environmental toxicity | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), OCTOCRYLENE, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) |
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) |
| Not likely to be a skin irritant in humans | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, OZOKERITE, PARAFFIN | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses | OCTISALATE | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses | BHT | |
| Human any irritant - strong evidence | products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne) | ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, ISOBUTANE, CASTOR OIL |
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.
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 | BHT, PARAFFIN | |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to high doses | ISOBUTANE |
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. | RETINYL PALMITATE, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OCTOCRYLENE | |
| Does not produces excess reactive oxygen species or other harmful biochemical changes. | OCTISALATE | |
| Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. | OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) | |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL | |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | BHT | |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE |
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