PCA Skin pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator, SPF 25 || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

PCA SKIN PHAZE 7 PROTECTING HYDRATOR, SPF 25

last updated: 03/15/09 brand: PCA Skin by Physician's Choice of Arizona, Inc.

SCORE

	health hazard
	sun hazard

73%

data gap

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PRODUCT USES

facial moisturizer/treatment
sunscreen: moisturizer

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.

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Sunscreen effectiveness* breakdown

MEDIUM	UVB sunburn protection
MEDIUM	UVA protection
MEDIUM	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
blocking strength

Product total

AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 | BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE) (2%)

OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (7.5%)

OCTISALATE (3%)

OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) (3%)

This product contains the following chemical(s) that may provide UV protection in addition to what is reflected above: NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE. We did not find relevant chemical absorption spectrum in the publicly available technical literature that would allow us to estimate the impacts of these chemicals. Therefore, our rating system may underestimate the effectiveness of this product.

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), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

Ingredients from packaging: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: AVOBENZONE (2.0%) (PARSOL) UVA SUNSCREEN OCTINOXATE (7.5%) UVB SUNSCREEN OCTISALATE (3.0%) UVB SUNSCREEN OXYBENZONE (3.0%) UVA & UVB SUNSCREEN OTHER INGREDIENTS: DEIONIZED WATER (AQUA), STEARIC ACID, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, CARBOMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PANTHENOL (PRO-VITAMIN B5), TOCOPHEROL (VITAMIN E), RETINYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN A), MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE (VITAMIN C), ALLANTOIN, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN

Directions from packaging: Apply to facial area and allow to absorb 20 min. prior to daytime exposure. Reapply after 2 hours and repeat ever 2 hours as needed.

Warnings from packaging: For external use only. When using this product, keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and consult a physician if skin rash and irritation develops and lasts. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE	2	87%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
METHYLPARABEN	10	63%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Biochemical or cellular level changes
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
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
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)
TRIETHANOLAMINE	6	58%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES), Occupational hazards
PROPYLPARABEN	5	71%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
RETINYL PALMITATE	5	68%	Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes
OCTISALATE (Active Ingredient)	3	68%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption
PHENOXYETHANOL	4	67%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
PANTHENOL	2	88%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
TOCOPHEROL	2	87%	Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
STEARIC ACID	2	74%	Neurotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
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)
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE GLYCERYL STEARATE	1	88%	none identified
CETYL ALCOHOL	1	87%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE	1	72%	none identified
MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE	0	99%	none identified
ALLANTOIN	0	94%	none identified
CARBOMER	0	93%	none identified
WATER (DEIONIZED)	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 moderate doses		PEG-100 STEARATE
One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		TOCOPHEROL,
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, GLYCERIN,
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 \| BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE)
Cancer - limited evidence		RETINYL PALMITATE
Not likely to be carcinogenic in humans		STEARIC ACID
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		TRIETHANOLAMINE

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
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,
One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Limited evidence of developmental toxicity		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
One or more animal studies show any effects at low doses		PROPYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at low doses		RETINYL PALMITATE

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, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL, TRIETHANOLAMINE
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		RETINYL PALMITATE
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)
Violation of government restrictions - Banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics		METHYLPARABEN
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in cosmetics (concentration limit)		AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 \| BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE), PHENOXYETHANOL, OCTISALATE, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)

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 very low doses		STEARIC ACID
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses		GLYCERIN, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), RETINYL PALMITATE

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)
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		TRIETHANOLAMINE, GLYCERIN
Human any disruptor - moderate evidence		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		PROPYLPARABEN, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), METHYLPARABEN

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)
respiratory - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity		PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more human case studies show possible photoallergic effects		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OCTISALATE
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN
Possible human photoallergenic toxicant		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
Known human immune system toxicant		TRIETHANOLAMINE

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		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, TRIETHANOLAMINE
Not suspected to be persistent		CETYL ALCOHOL
Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)

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 liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		STEARIC ACID, PANTHENOL
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	CETYL ALCOHOL
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)		OCTISALATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Limited evidence of skin toxicity		RETINYL PALMITATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, PROPYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses	products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips	PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN, NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Possible human immune system toxicant		TRIETHANOLAMINE
Known human any toxicant		METHYLPARABEN

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		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, PEG-100 STEARATE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, TOCOPHEROL, STEARIC ACID, RETINYL PALMITATE, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, GLYCERIN, CETYL ALCOHOL
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		PANTHENOL
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL

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)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
Not suspected to be an environmental toxin		TRIETHANOLAMINE
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		CETYL ALCOHOL
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		PROPYLPARABEN

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		GLYCERIN
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		STEARIC ACID, OCTISALATE, METHYLPARABEN,
One or more animal studies show significant but moderate pulmonary irritation at low doses		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		PEG-100 STEARATE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, CETYL ALCOHOL
Classified as irritant		PHENOXYETHANOL

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)
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		PEG-100 STEARATE, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE
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, TOCOPHEROL, PROPYLPARABEN, STEARIC ACID, RETINYL PALMITATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PANTHENOL, METHYLPARABEN, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, OCTISALATE, GLYCERIN, ALLANTOIN, AVOBENZONE (PARSOL 1789 \| BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE)

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		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN, TRIETHANOLAMINE

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)
Does not produces excess reactive oxygen species or other harmful biochemical changes.		OCTISALATE
Interferes with gene expresion		METHYLPARABEN
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 very low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		GLYCERIN
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, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)