The latest on nanoparticles in sunscreens.

The UV filters TiO2 and ZnO have been used in sunscreens for decades, and are particularly valuable because they give broad-spectrum protection from sunlight. In an attempt to make sunscreens more cosmetically acceptable, the particle sizes of these metal oxides are often reduced to NPs measuring 1-100 millionth of a millimetre. Both TiO2 and ZnO NP can generate reactive oxygen species after sun exposure, which can cause cell damage and cell death if produced in excess or not neutralised. This can be minimised to some extent by coating the NPs in aluminium hydroxide, polymers and inert oxides of silica, or adding anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E. In Australia, all active ingredients must be declared on sunscreen labels, however, it is not a requirement to declare the particle size of the active ingredients. The outcomes of the Literature Review on the safety of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide NPs in sunscreens is available on the TGA website. They concluded that on current evidence, neither TiO2 nor ZnO NPs are likely to cause harm when used in sunscreens. The current state of knowledge strongly dictates that the minor risks potentially associated with NPs in sunscreen are vastly outweighed by the benefits they afford against sun damage and skin cancer.

The latest on nanoparticles in sunscreens.

The UV filters TiO2 and ZnO have been used in sunscreens for decades, and are particularly valuable because they give broad-spectrum protection from sunlight. In an attempt to make sunscreens more cosmetically acceptable, the particle sizes of these metal oxides are often reduced to NPs measuring 1-100 millionth of a millimetre. Both TiO2 and ZnO NP can generate reactive oxygen species after sun exposure, which can cause cell damage and cell death if produced in excess or not neutralised. This can be minimised to some extent by coating the NPs in aluminium hydroxide, polymers and inert oxides of silica, or adding anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E.

In Australia, all active ingredients must be declared on sunscreen labels, however, it is not a requirement to declare the particle size of the active ingredients. The outcomes of the Literature Review on the safety of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide NPs in sunscreens is available on the TGA website. They concluded that on current evidence, neither TiO2 nor ZnO NPs are likely to cause harm when used in sunscreens. The current state of knowledge strongly dictates that the minor risks potentially associated with NPs in sunscreen are vastly outweighed by the benefits they afford against sun damage and skin cancer.