What Is Nanotechnology?

I think there are many people who are not familiar with the term “nanotechnology”. Yet this technology is used in the manufacturing of a very large portion of sun cream products. The technique is used to break down Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide particles so that they don’t leave a white film on the skin.

Nanotechnology safety

There is much debate about the safety of nano particles. Last March I attended a lecture on this subject at a major dermatological congress in San Francisco (organised through the American Society of Dermatology). The outcome of this has certainly not reassured me! The advice from the American Society of Dermatology is that consumers need to be made aware of the possible risks so that they can consciously decide if they want to use these products or not. But how can you, as a consumer, decide for yourself if the cosmetic manufacturer isn’t required to state on the product whether nanotechnology has been used in the processing. At least this is going to change in the future, but it will still take three years before it has to be displayed on the packaging in the Netherlands!

On the 18th of May TROS radar brought our attention to nanotechnology. The programme gave an overall view of the different aspects of nanotechnology. Shortly I will specifically address the use of nanotechnology in sun cream.

Regards Jetske.

(Dr. Jetske Ultee – Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)

You can read more about irritating substances in
‘Which Natural Ingredients‘,
‘Ingredients to Avoid‘ and
‘What Is the Precise Situation with Parabens’.