Don't Abandon Sunscreens

A recent CNN report shared FDA research showing that seven sunscreen chemicals enter the bloodstream after one use. “The fact that an ingredient is absorbed through the skin and into the body doesn't mean that particular ingredient is unsafe”, said Dr Janet Woodcock, director of the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research, the arm of the FDA which conducted the studies. "Rather, this finding calls for further industry testing to determine the safety and effect of systemic exposure of sunscreen ingredients, especially with chronic use," Woodcock said.

A representative from the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, David Andrews, a senior scientist however states  "What is most alarming about these findings is that chemicals are absorbing into the body in significant amounts and the ingredients have not been fully tested for safety," he added "If companies want to keep these ingredients in products, they need to urgently test for potential harm to children and harm from long-term use."

Helene Hine, Marketing Manager at Croda for Solar Protection, commented, “We have seen the sun care market moving towards Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for some time now.  This has been largely driven by consumers desire to move away from chemical sunscreens, which are petro-derived ingredients, and more towards mineral based sunscreens. Skin penetration is again in the spotlight. In February 2019 we welcomed the news from the FDA that they would reclassify TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide) and ZnO (Zinc Oxide) as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) category I. Confirming that these sunscreens do not penetrate the skin, no matter what the particle size. This new research further casts doubt in the minds of some consumers on some organic sunscreen ingredients, but the most important thing is that consumers must not be fearful or stop using sunscreens. The risk of skin cancer is very real. As this CNN news article points out, experts are now saying that if chemical sunscreens are a concern, consider mineral-based sunscreens, which do not penetrate the skin.”

Croda offers a range of mineral based metal oxide dispersions and powders under the Solaveil^TM brand.  The Solaveil Clarus range of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide actives possess a tightly controlled particle size distribution ensuring these provide a true transparency on the skin whilst maintaining excellent UV protection. The award-winning Solaveil SpeXtra^TM range of titanium dioxide products are large particle size products suitable for natural sunscreen claims and can be used as a single active ingredient. The Solaveil products are all available as powders or dispersions in a range of carrier fluids for formulation versatility and our powders offer formulators alternatives when dry actives are needed, making these Solaveil metal oxide technologies very easy to use in wide range of personal care applications.

Croda’s latest launch is Solaveil XTP2, this silica coated variant from the SpeXtra range is the perfect solution for UV protection for the most natural sunscreen brands. Find out more about Solaveil XTP2 here

For more information on Croda’s range of mineral based metal oxides visit our Sun Care pages.