From the Guidelines
Nanoparticle mineral sunscreens primarily contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. These minerals are ground into extremely small particles (nanoparticles) that measure between 20-50 nanometers in size. Unlike traditional mineral sunscreens that leave a white cast on the skin, the nanoparticle formulation allows these ingredients to appear more transparent while still providing effective UV protection. Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, while titanium dioxide is particularly effective against UVB rays. These ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking or reflecting UV radiation rather than absorbing it like chemical sunscreens do. The nanoparticle size helps improve the cosmetic elegance and wearability of mineral sunscreens, making them more appealing for daily use. Although the provided study 1 focuses on behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer and does not directly discuss the active ingredients of nanoparticle mineral sunscreens, it does mention the importance of using broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater, which includes those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients are generally considered safe and are often recommended for people with sensitive skin or those concerned about potential hormone disruption from chemical sunscreen ingredients. For effective protection, apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Some key points to consider when using nanoparticle mineral sunscreens include:
- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Nanoparticle formulation improves cosmetic elegance and wearability
- These ingredients are generally considered safe for people with sensitive skin
- Apply generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating for effective protection.
From the FDA Drug Label
Active Ingredient Zinc Oxide 20% The active ingredient of the nanoparticle mineral sunscreen is Zinc Oxide 2.
- The concentration of Zinc Oxide is 20%.
From the Research
Active Ingredients of Nanoparticle Mineral Sunscreens
- The active ingredients of nanoparticle mineral sunscreens include titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- TiO2 is more effective in UVB protection, while ZnO is more effective in UVA protection 4, 6, 7
- The combination of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles provides broad-band UV protection 4
- Avobenzone is also used in some sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA wavelengths >360 nm 6
Characteristics of Nanoparticle Mineral Sunscreens
- Nanoparticle mineral sunscreens have improved cosmetic acceptability due to their smaller size (<100 nm) 4, 7
- TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles do not penetrate viable skin layers, reducing the risk of toxicity 5
- However, there is potential risk when exposed via inhalation, prompting recommendations against spray sunscreen products with nanoparticles 7
- The environmental risk of nanoparticle mineral sunscreens is currently considered low, but may evolve with increasing usage and higher environmental concentrations 7
Comparison with Other Sunscreen Ingredients
- TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles are considered safer alternatives to organic UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate 7
- Avobenzone is also a safe and effective ingredient for broad-spectrum protection, but requires proper formulation strategies to maintain its photostability 6
- The combination of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles provides better UVA protection than TiO2 alone 6