Does Skin Absorb 60% of What You Apply?
The 60 percent claim is everywhere. The real science on skin absorption is more interesting.
Transcript
Does skin absorb sixty percent of what you put on it? No. That number has no solid source. Absorption isn't one number. Skin is a strong barrier, but small, fat-soluble molecules get through more easily. FDA studies found some sunscreen filters in blood, which doesn't prove harm. So we keep what goes on skin simple and readable. No scare stories.
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Does Your Skin Absorb What You Put on It? The Real Science
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Key points from the full guide
- Skin is a strong barrier, mainly because of its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, but some substances do pass through.
- The popular claim that skin absorbs 60 percent of what you apply is not supported by research; absorption varies enormously by ingredient.
- Small, fat-soluble molecules pass through more easily than large or water-soluble ones.
- FDA studies found several chemical sunscreen filters in the bloodstream after normal use, which does not prove harm but prompted calls for more safety data.
- Damaged skin, thin skin, heat, occlusion, and penetration enhancers can all increase absorption.
Read the full guide: Does Your Skin Absorb What You Put on It? The Real Science