Nanodermatology Society Issues 2011 Position Statement on Sunscreens

In its 2011 position statement on sunscreens, the Nanodermatology Society states that it “believes that nano-based sunscreens do not pose serious health risks to consumers,” and agrees with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that “[z]inc and titanium-based formulations are among the safest, most effective, sunscreens on the market.” According to the position statement, this is based on the current evidence showing:

• Consumers using zinc and titanium sunscreen products are exposed to 20 percent less UVA radiation than those using sunscreens without these products;
• Nano-titanium and zinc do not penetrate the outer layer of human skin, even through hair follicles; and
• Nano-titanium and zinc do not reach living cells, and therefore pose no risk of toxicity.