Pregnancy And Octyl Methoxycinnamate: Is It Safe?

Octyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate, is a chemical compound that is frequently used in sunscreens and cosmetics as a UV filter to protect the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of the sun, particularly UVB rays. While the use of octyl methoxycinnamate provides benefits in protecting against sun damage, concerns have been raised about its safety, especially during pregnancy. Animal studies have indicated potential risks associated with its use, suggesting that it may impact hormone levels and disrupt thyroid function, leading to potential behavioural and reproductive issues in offspring. As a result, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using sunscreens and other skincare products containing octyl methoxycinnamate and opt for natural alternatives or products containing physical sunblocks like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Octyl methoxycinnamate is a UV-filter used in sunscreens and cosmetics

Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is a UV-filter chemical compound used in sunscreens and cosmetics. It is also known as octinoxate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. OMC is effective in blocking UVB rays and is frequently used in sunscreens and other cosmetics to protect the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of the sun.

OMC is a popular ingredient in sunscreens, with studies showing its ability to stabilise other sunscreen filters and boost their efficiency. It is allowed in formulations of up to 7.5% in some U.S. states and Europe, but it has been banned in Hawaii and Key West, Florida, due to its environmental risks to coral reefs.

There are concerns about the safety of OMC during pregnancy. Limited data suggests no known risk, but animal studies indicate that perinatal exposure to OMC can affect the reproductive and neurological development of rat offspring. It has also been shown to decrease thyroxine levels in pregnant rats, which may be a cause for concern as humans are systematically exposed to the compound through the use of sunscreens and cosmetics.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid sunscreens containing OMC and opt for natural, nanoparticle-free alternatives or physical sunblocks that use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which do not penetrate the skin.

Octyl methoxycinnamate is not recommended for use during pregnancy

Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is a commonly used UV-filter in sunscreens and other cosmetics. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with its endocrine-disrupting properties.

OMC has been shown to impact thyroid hormone levels, which could affect the neurological development of offspring. Studies in rats have indicated that exposure to OMC during pregnancy and lactation led to decreased thyroxine (T4) levels in the mother and reduced relative prostate and testis weights, as well as decreased testosterone levels in male offspring. These results suggest that perinatal OMC exposure can influence the reproductive and neurological development of offspring, raising concerns for potential impacts on human offspring through the use of OMC-containing sunscreens and cosmetics.

Additionally, OMC may act as a hormone blocker and has been linked to potential reproductive and behavioural issues in offspring. While the impact on humans is not fully understood, animal studies have shown that OMC can affect sperm quality.

As a result, pregnant women are advised to avoid using sunscreens and other cosmetic products containing OMC. It is recommended to opt for natural, nanoparticle-free sunscreens or those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are physical sunblocks that do not penetrate the skin.

Overall, while the effects of OMC exposure during pregnancy require further investigation, the current evidence suggests that it is best to avoid its use as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

Animal studies show octyl methoxycinnamate can affect the reproductive and neurological development of rat offspring

Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is a UV-filter commonly found in sunscreens and cosmetics. While it is effective in protecting against UVB rays and blocking harmful UV-A rays, concerns have been raised about its safety during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that exposure to OMC can affect the reproductive and neurological development of rat offspring, which has led to worries about its impact on human offspring as well.

The study conducted by Axelstad et al. in 2011 investigated the effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to OMC on the development of rat offspring. Groups of pregnant Wistar rats were given varying doses of OMC during gestation and lactation. The results indicated that perinatal exposure to OMC can impact both the reproductive and neurological development of rat offspring.

In male rat offspring, OMC exposure led to reduced relative prostate and testis weights, as well as a decrease in testosterone levels. Additionally, motor activity levels were decreased in female rat offspring. These behavioural changes were not solely attributed to early thyroxine (T4) deficiencies, as the observed effects differed from other studies of developmental hypothyroxinemia.

At eight months of age, sperm counts were reduced in all three OMC-dosed groups, and prostate weights were reduced in the highest dose group. These findings suggest that OMC exposure during pregnancy may have long-term effects on the reproductive development of male offspring.

While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to note that animal studies do not always translate directly to humans. However, due to the potential risks, pregnant women are generally advised to avoid using products containing octyl methoxycinnamate.

Overall, while octyl methoxycinnamate is effective as a UV-filter, animal studies have raised concerns about its impact on reproductive and neurological development in rat offspring. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks to human offspring, but pregnant women are typically advised to avoid products containing this ingredient.

Octyl methoxycinnamate is also known as octinoxate

Octyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate, is an organic compound and ingredient in some sunscreens and lip balms. It is formed from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. Octinoxate is the most common active ingredient in sunscreens for protection against UV-B rays. It may be combined with oxybenzone and titanium oxide.

Octinoxate is effective in blocking UVB rays. However, it has also been shown to have hormonal effects, mimicking estrogen and disrupting thyroid function. This has been observed in animal studies and in vitro, with octinoxate shown to affect the neurological development of rat offspring.

Due to these potential health risks, there are concerns about the safety of octinoxate, particularly for pregnant women and small children. While the studies were not conducted under real-life conditions, it is recommended that pregnant women and children under two years old choose physical (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) or new-generation Tinosorb-based sunscreens instead.

Additionally, octinoxate has raised environmental concerns, with its use restricted in places such as Hawaii and Palau due to its potential effects on coral reefs.

Octyl methoxycinnamate is banned in Hawaii due to environmental risks

Octyl methoxycinnamate, also known as octinoxate, is a common ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics, used to absorb UVB rays from the sun and protect the skin from damage. While it is considered safe for human use by the US and EU in certain concentrations, it has been banned in Hawaii due to its detrimental effects on the environment.

Octyl methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that is often combined with other chemicals such as oxybenzone and titanium oxide to create an effective UV filter. This filter is designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVB rays, which are associated with sunburn and skin cancer.

However, despite its benefits for human skin, octyl methoxycinnamate has been found to have negative environmental impacts, particularly on marine ecosystems. It is difficult to remove from water, and it has been detected in almost all water sources worldwide. This chemical has been linked to coral bleaching, which is when coral dies and turns white, devastating the ecosystems that coral reefs support. It has also been found in various species of fish, with potential consequences for the food chain.

In 2018, the government of Palau passed a law restricting the sale and use of skincare products containing octyl methoxycinnamate, along with other chemicals, due to concerns about their impact on coral reefs. Similarly, Hawaii banned the use of octyl methoxycinnamate-containing sunscreens, citing the same environmental risks.

While the effects of octyl methoxycinnamate on the environment are well-documented, its impact on human health is less clear. Some studies have shown potential harm, including hormonal and neurological effects, while others suggest it has minimal effects on humans. More research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with this chemical, particularly its long-term effects on human health and the environment.

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