MD formulations Vit-A-Plus Illuminating Creme, SPF 15 || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

MD FORMULATIONS VIT-A-PLUS ILLUMINATING CREME, SPF 15

last updated: 05/01/06 brand: MD formulations by MD formulations

SCORE

	health hazard
	sun hazard

83%

data gap

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94% of facial moisturizer/treatments have lower concerns
99% of sunscreen: SPF 15-30s have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

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

Animal Testing Policy
This company does not test on animals.

Sunscreen effectiveness* breakdown

6	UVB hazard/exposure score
8	UVA hazard/exposure score
4	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

OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3) (5%)

OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) (5%)

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: PURIFIED WATER (AQUA), AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE (AND) GLYCOLIC ACID, GLYCERIN, C 12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, SUCROSE COCOATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERAL STEARATE (AND) PEG-100 STEARATE, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER AND C12-13 PARETH-12, POLYACRYLAMIDE ADN C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN AND LAURETH-7, GLYCERYL STEARATE, C30-45 ALKYL METHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL (AND) PALMITOYL HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM AMYLOPECTIN/GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER (AND) ASCORBIC ACID (AND)LECITHIN, PALMITOYL HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM AMYLOPECTIN/-GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER (AND) LECITHIN (AND) GRAPE SEED (VITTIS VINIFERA) EXTRACT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL (AND) MORUS BOMBYCIS (MULBERRY) EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL (AND) GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED SILK, POLYSORBATE 20 (AND) RETINOL, BISABOLOL, ALLANTOIN GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID, BHT, XANTHAN GUM, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, DISODIUM EDTA, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA (AND) IODOPROPYNYL BUTLCARBAMATE. 14% GLYCOLIC COMPOUND HYRDROQUINONE-FREE SPF 15 (UVA/UVB) *ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: OCTINOXATE 7/5% & OXYBENZONE 5.0%. ANTIOXIDANTS INCLUDE VITAMIN E, STABILIZED VITAMIN C AND GRAPE SEED EXTRACT. SENSITIVE SKIN ANTI-IRRITANT COMPLEX INCLUDES BISABOLOL AND ALLANTOIN

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
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
ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE	9	74%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ARSENIC, LEAD, HEAVY METALS)
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) OCTINOXATE 7/5% (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)
LECITHIN	3	70%	Multiple, additive exposure sources, Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES)
IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE IODOPROPYNYL BUTLCARBAMATE	4	65%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
BHT	6	61%	Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA	6	59%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
PROPYLPARABEN	5	71%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
VITAMIN A RETINOL	5	70%	Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes
PROPRIETARY INGREDIENTS ANTIOXIDANTS INCLUDE VITAMIN E	4	100%	Miscellaneous
MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE	4	88%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	4	81%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE	4	75%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
GLYCOLIC ACID	4	70%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
LAURETH-7	3	100%	Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
POLYACRLYAMIDE C 13-14 ISOPARAFFIN LAURETH-7 POLYACRYLAMIDE ADN C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN	3	100%	Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
DISODIUM EDTA	3	78%	Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Enhanced skin absorption
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT GRAPE SEED (VITTIS VINIFERA) EXTRACT	1	100%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
ALLANTOIN GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID	0	94%	none identified
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE	0	94%	none identified
CETEARYL ALCOHOL	0	93%	none identified
ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)	1	91%	none identified
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE GLYCERAL STEARATE	1	88%	none identified
POLYSORBATE-20	1	84%	none identified
BISABOLOL	1	80%	Enhanced skin absorption
BUTYLENE GLYCOL	1	79%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
C12-14 PARETH-12 C12-13 PARETH-12	0	100%	none identified
C30-45 ALKYL METHICONE	0	100%	none identified
DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER	0	100%	none identified
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) EXTRACT	0	100%	none identified
PALMITOYL HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM AMYLOPECTIN/ GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER	0	100%	none identified
SUCROSE COCOATE	0	100%	none identified
MORUS BOMBYCIS (KUWA) EXTRACT MORUS BOMBYCIS (MULBERRY) EXTRACT	0	100%	none identified
ALLANTOIN	0	94%	none identified
HYDROLYZED SILK	0	94%	none identified
XANTHAN GUM	0	94%	none identified
WATER (PURIFIED)	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 in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
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		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, GLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE
Cancer - limited evidence		VITAMIN A
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		PEG-100 STEARATE, POLYSORBATE-20, GLYCOLIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, 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		GLYCERIN
Limited evidence of developmental toxicity		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at low doses		VITAMIN A,
One or more animal studies show any effects at low doses		PROPYLPARABEN
Human nervous system toxicant - moderate evidence		MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE

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, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, LECITHIN, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, GLYCOLIC ACID
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		GLYCOLIC ACID, VITAMIN A
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 some types of cosmetics (concentration limit)		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Allowable pH limits		AMMONIUM GLYCOLATE, GLYCOLIC ACID
Violation of government restrictions - Banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics		METHYLPARABEN

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		GLYCERIN, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), VITAMIN A, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL
Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity		MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		LECITHIN, METHYLPARABEN, GLYCOLIC ACID, BISABOLOL
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at low doses		DISODIUM EDTA, BHT
Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity		ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE

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		GLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BISABOLOL
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		METHYLPARABEN, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), PROPYLPARABEN
Human any disruptor - moderate evidence		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		BHT

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 photoallergic effects		OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Possible human photoallergenic toxicant		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
Known human immune system toxicant		DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, BHT

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)
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 liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		BISABOLOL, POLYSORBATE-20, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
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	BUTYLENE GLYCOL
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)		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE
Limited evidence of skin toxicity		VITAMIN A, PEG-100 STEARATE, PROPYLPARABEN, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at low doses		DISODIUM EDTA, BHT
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses	products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips	GLYCOLIC ACID
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN
Known human any toxicant		METHYLPARABEN

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)
Ingredient not fully labeled - identity unknown		PROPRIETARY INGREDIENTS

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		PEG-100 STEARATE, XANTHAN GUM, VITAMIN A, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, POLYSORBATE-20, METHYLPARABEN, LECITHIN, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, GLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BHT, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, LECITHIN

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), OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
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 high doses		IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		VITAMIN A, POLYSORBATE-20, GLYCERIN, BISABOLOL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		METHYLPARABEN, BHT
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		PEG-100 STEARATE
Human any irritant - strong evidence	products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne)	BUTYLENE GLYCOL

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		PEG-100 STEARATE, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
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, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VITAMIN A, PROPYLPARABEN, POLYSORBATE-20, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, METHYLPARABEN, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETEARYL ALCOHOL
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		PROPRIETARY INGREDIENTS, PALMITOYL HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM AMYLOPECTIN/ GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER, POLYACRLYAMIDE C 13-14 ISOPARAFFIN LAURETH-7
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		BISABOLOL, BHT
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		SUCROSE COCOATE, XANTHAN GUM, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, MORUS BOMBYCIS (KUWA) EXTRACT
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		ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		LAURETH-7, HYDROLYZED SILK, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE/ VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, C30-45 ALKYL METHICONE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, C12-14 PARETH-12, ALLANTOIN GLYCYRRHETINIC ACID, ALLANTOIN

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
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN
No workplace limits set		GLYCOLIC ACID

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)
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.		VITAMIN A, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
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		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.		OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)