Cosmetic UV filters in the environment-state of the art in EU regulations, science and possible knowledge gaps.

Objective: The aim of this work was to review the principals of environmental hazard and risk assessment (ERA) of cosmetic UV filters registered under EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Furthermore, effects as obtained from non-standardized testing methods and organisms from scientific literature were compared against the predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) as derived based on standardized test methods for the various environmental compartments under REACH.

Methods: The REACH dossiers at the ECHA webpage were screened for available information related to basic physico-chemical data (i.

A new visible light absorbing organic filter offers superior protection against pigmentation by wavelengths at the UVR-visible boundary region.

Skin pigmentation by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR; ~295-400 nm) is well established. More recently, visible light (VL; 400-740 nm) has been shown to induce rapid pigmentation. Such pigmentation is thought to be caused by oxidative stress, which has associations with skin cancer and photoageing.

The UV/Visible Radiation Boundary Region (385-405 nm) Damages Skin Cells and Induces "dark" Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers in Human Skin in vivo.

The adverse effects of terrestrial solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (~295-400 nm) on the skin are well documented, especially in the UVB region (~295-320 nm). The effects of very long-wave UVA (>380 nm) and visible radiation (≥400 nm) are much less known. Sunscreens have been beneficial in inhibiting a wide range of photodamage, however most formulations provide very little protection in the long wave UVA region (380-400 nm) and almost none from shortwave visible wavelengths (400-420 nm).