Research on the immunosuppressive activity of ingredients contained in sunscreens

Arch Dermatol Res. 2015 Apr;307(3):211-8. doi: 10.1007/s00403-014-1528-9. Epub 2015 Jan 4.

Abstract

The immunosuppressive properties of Benzophenone-4, an UV-filter and three ingredients, Allantoin, Bisabolol and Enoxolon used in sunscreen formulation, previously characterized as anti-inflammatory compounds, are studied. The results of this study demonstrate that four tested molecules have effects on DCs and T cells which are the most important cells of the immune system. The impact is also visible on keratinocyte cells which are in the direct contact with skin sunscreens. Each ingredient should be used with caution at reduced doses or even removed from some cosmetic preparations, such as sunscreens.

MeSH terms

  • Allantoin / pharmacology
  • Benzophenones / pharmacology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects*
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Glycyrrhetinic Acid / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes / pharmacology
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Sunscreening Agents / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Benzophenones
  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • sulisobenzone
  • bisabolol
  • Allantoin
  • Glycyrrhetinic Acid