Impacts of Cosmetic Ingredients on Larval Barnacles: A Study & Discussion of How Cosmetic Ingredients Affect Marine Life

In recent years, scientists have discovered toxicity of active ingredients in sunscreens to marine life such as coral reefs. While the research findings have brought about significant policy changes in places like Hawaii and Palau, little attention has been given to the hundreds of other ingredients that are commonly found in such cosmetics. Through 24-hour exposure studies with barnacle larvae, this study documents toxicity and settlement inhibition of sunscreens and 5 common “inactive” ingredients. Results indicate that “inactive PDMS additives” are toxic to barnacle larvae inhibit settlement. Sunscreens are even more potent, therefore suggesting the combination of ingredients that makeup sunscreens pose a greater risk to marine life than individual components. The Master’s Project products are an analysis and discussion of the research conducted, as well as a short video translating the research for science communication purposes.