Sunscreen's Nanoparticles Seen As Safe

Seattle Times, Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
Published July 13, 2008

Q: I read that some scientists are concerned about nanoparticles found in products such as sunscreen. These particles are so tiny, they could get into places in our bodies that larger particles can't. Shouldn't you warn people? A: The Environmental Working Group is a collaborative group of scientists that first raised a red flag about nanoparticles in sunscreens. These extremely small particles of titanium and zinc compounds provide an effective way of blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike the old white zinc-oxide cream lifeguards used to smear on their noses, products containing nanoparticles appear transparent. The researchers were suspicious about nanoparticles and expected that after reviewing all the safety data, they would recommend against using such products. The conclusions they reached were quite different from those they anticipated: "Repeated studies have shown that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers' exposures would be minimal." The scientists are critical of many other sunscreen ingredients and suggest consumers look for sunscreens with zinc or titanium to provide broad UV protection.