TiO2 Nanoparticles as a Common Component of Sunscreens: An Experimental Study of Dermal/Ocular Safety Assessment

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium Dioxide-Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).<br /> <strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2-NPs following acute sunscreen exposure.<br /> <strong>METHODS: </strong>TiO2 and TiO2-NPs (20-40 nm and 98% purity) were purchased in the anatase crystal phase, and five types of concentration for sunscreens were made which were carried out in five different treatment groups in mice and rabbits.<br /> <strong>RESULTS:</strong> In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2-NPs group and TiO2-Ps. In acute dermal irritation using rabbits did not show a significant difference among groups in different concentrations and durations. Similarly, in a skin sensitization test using mice, contact hypersensitivity (CHS) did not show a significant difference (<em>P</em><0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application.<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Our finding demonstrates that TiO2-NPs and TiO2-Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity