Endocrine and Reproductive Health Considerations of Sunscreen UV Filters: Insights from a Comprehensive Review 2014–2024

Abstract

Purpose of Review : Chemical (organic) ultraviolet (UV) filters—carbon-based compounds widely used in sunscreen formulations—are essential for protecting against harmful UV radiation. However, emerging evidence over the last decade (2014–2024) has raised concerns regarding their potential endocrine-disrupting effects, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation. This comprehensive review evaluates the endocrine, reproductive, and developmental health impacts of organic UV filters, with a focus on benzophenone derivatives such as BP-3, BP-2, and 4-OHBP. Recent Findings: The analysis incorporates data from 75 studies identified through PRISMA-guided screening of epidemiological and human research. Findings reveal significant hormonal disruptions, including reduced testosterone levels in adolescent males, altered thyroid hormones in pregnant women, and associations with delayed pubertal development in boys and early menarche in girls. Mixed exposures to multiple UV filters, frequently occurring in real-world scenarios, demonstrate cumulative and complex effects, particularly on thyroid hormone levels and reproductive health. In men, benzophenones are associated with decreased sperm quality and motility, while in women, their impact on ovarian reserve and fertility outcomes appears less pronounced. Prenatal exposure studies show mixed outcomes, ranging from reduced neonatal size and gestational age to increased placental-to-birth weight ratios. Summary: This review underscores the dual nature of organic UV filters, emphasizing their importance in photoprotection while highlighting the need for a balanced approach to safety evaluations. Future research should prioritize long-term cohort studies, assessments of mixed exposure effects, and the development of safer alternatives. Addressing these challenges is crucial for mitigating risks to human health and the environment while maintaining the protective benefits of sunscreens.