Exposure to UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate and human health effects: Focus on endocrine disruptor actions
Margarida Lorigo, Carla Quintaneiro, Luiza Breitenfeld, Elisa Cairrão
Abstract
Human skin is the first line of photoprotection against UV radiation. However, despite having its defence mechanisms, the photoprotection that the skin exerts is not enough. To protect human skin, the inclusion of UV filters in the cosmetic industry has grown significantly as a photoprotection strategy. Octylmethoxycinnamate, also designated by octinoxate, or 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (CAS number: 5466-77-3) is one of the most widely used UV-B filter in the cosmetic industry. The toxic effects of OMC have alarmed the public, but there is still no consensus in the scientific community about its use. This article aims to provide an overview of the UV filters' photoprotection, emphasizing the OMC and the possible negative effects it may have on the public health. Moreover, the current legislation will be addressed. In summary, the recommendations should be rethought to assess their risk-benefit, since the existing literature warns us to endocrine-disrupting effects of OMC. Further studies should be focus on the toxicity of OMC alone, in mixture and should consider its degradation products, to improve the knowledge of its risk assessment as EDC. • Extensive production and exposure to OMC in cosmetic industry are current concerns. • Current regulations have failed to effectively address long-term effects of OMC. • Long-term exposure to OMC causes adverse effects on human health. • Epidemiological, ex vivo, and in vitro human studies showed cardiovascular, thyroid, reproductive, and immunological effects. • Mechanisms for OMC-induced endocrine and toxicological effects were described.