Systemic and Hormonal Effects of Ultraviolet Filters in Sunscreens

Abstract

The sun serves as a fundamental source of light and heat for the Earth and for all living organisms. While sunlight confers numerous physiological benefits- including facilitating vitamin D synthesis, supporting immune function, contributing to psychological well-being, and driving key photochemical and photobiological processes-prolonged or uncontrolled exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses significant health risks. The UVR is considered harmful to human skin due to its capacity to induce DNA damage and mutations, promote skin carcinogenesis, accelerate photoaging, and cause acute injuries such as sunburn. With growing public awareness of the importance of sunscreen use, the potential biological effects of the chemical compounds contained in these products have become a matter of public and scientific interest. Although current evidence regarding the health effects of UV filters in sunscreens remains limited and inconclusive, the increasing prevalence of sunscreen use has encouraged further investigation within the medical and scientific communities. This review provides an overview of sunlight and the pathways through which UVR induces cutaneous responses. It also examines UV filters-the primary active components of sunscreens-as the most accessible and widely used method of photoprotection. In addition, we summarize the major classes of UV filters currently in use and discuss recent research findings and ongoing debates concerning their safety profiles and potential biological effects.

Cite this article as:Solmaz GD, Erbaş O. Systemic and Hormonal Effects of Ultraviolet Filters in Sunscreens. JEB Med Sci 2025;6(2):45-52.