Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Sunscreens Are Safe, Say Researchers

Researchers have found that zinc oxide nanoparticles found in sunscreens are safe for application.

The sun emits two kinds of UV rays, UVA (those that cause long term damage like ageing) and UVB (those that cause short term damage in the form of burning). A sunscreen, thus, is a very important way of protecting your skin against the damage that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can inflict on you.

One of the most widely used components in sunscreens are zinc oxide nanoparticles. However, some public advocacy groups have questioned the safety of these nanoparticulate-based sunscreens.

A potential danger, therefore, is that this concern may also result in an undesirable downturn in sunscreen use, possibly increasing the incidence of skin cancer.