Australian researchers bust toxic sunscreen myth
An Australian study into the potential toxicity of sunscreen has busted the myth that nanoparticulate-based sunscreens are not safe.
The study led by the University of Queensland and University of South Australia provides the first direct evidence that zinc oxide nanoparticles used in sunscreen neither penetrate the skin nor cause cellular toxicity after repeated applications.
The research, published this week in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, refutes widespread claims among some public advocacy groups — and a growing belief among consumers — about the safety of nanoparticulate-based sunscreens.
University of South Australia and UQ lead investigator Professor Mike Roberts and his co-researchers in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Germany studied the safety of repeated applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles applied to five volunteers aged between 20 and 30 years.
Volunteers applied the ZnO nanoparticles every hour for six hours on five consecutive days.
“Using superior imaging methods, we established that the nanoparticles remained within the superficial layers of the skin and did not cause any cellular damage,” Professor Roberts said.
“We hope that these findings help improve consumer confidence in these products and in turn…
