Exposure experiments and machine learning revealed that personal care products can significantly increase transdermal exposure of SVOCs from the environment.

Summary

In volunteer exposure experiments, applying common personal care products increased dermal adsorption of multiple SVOC classes by roughly 1.6–2.0-fold, with tocopherol-containing formulations further enhancing uptake. Machine-learning predictions indicated significant increases in serum concentrations of 2–3 ring PAHs and TCEP after product use, highlighting ingredient-dependent risks.

Key Findings

• Application of lotion, baby oil, sunscreen, and blemish balm increased dermal SVOC adsorption by 1.63±0.62, 1.97±0.73, 1.91±0.48, and 2.03±0.59 times, respectively.
• Tocopherol as an ingredient increased dermal SVOC adsorption by 2.59±1.60 times.
• Blemish balm yielded the highest hazard quotient for certain SVOCs; TCEP had the highest hazard quotient among compounds.
• Machine-learning predictions indicated significant increases in serum levels of 2–3 ring PAHs and TCEP after PCP use.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should counsel patients—especially children, pregnant individuals, and those with dermatologic conditions—about ingredient-driven exposure risks, and consider recommending formulations with lower SVOC absorption potential. Public health and regulatory bodies may need to revise testing paradigms to include co-exposure scenarios with PCPs.

Limitations

• Sample size and participant characteristics were not specified in the abstract
• Short-term exposure; long-term health outcomes were not assessed; real-world co-exposures and usage patterns may vary

Future Directions

Quantify dose–response across defined populations, validate serum predictions with longitudinal biomonitoring, and test formulation strategies that minimize SVOC uptake while preserving cosmetic performance.