13 January 2009
For Immediate release
Media Statement – Sunscreens and Nano Particles
The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association today reassured consumers about the safety of Sunscreens containing
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in nano particle form.
An article appearing in the New Zealand Herald is highly inaccurate and misleading to consumers about the safety of
Sunscreens in New Zealand.
The use of these ingredients is particularly important to the effectiveness of those sunscreens in the market in
providing the maximum SPF protection to consumers and there use in Nano Particle form has no established risk to
consumers with a wide range of research being conducted around the world to ensure the remains the case whether with
these ingredients or others.
While not all sunscreens use these ingredients this is not due to safety but due to alternative technologies options
giving consumers other choices and allowing for higher SPF protection in some cases.
There is no reason to consider a ban and there is no link to cancer or even skin rashes from the use of this technology
as claimed in the New Zealand Herald.
All Sunscreens sold in New Zealand must conform to the Cosmetic Group Standard Regulation (2008) under the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and are required to be safe. Both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are specifically
listed as approved under the Cosmetic Group Standard for use in nano particle form. Any other ingredient must also be
notified to the Environmental Risk Management Authority before the Sunscreen can be marketed in New Zealand.
Consumers need to apply sunscreen at this time of year to protect against skin damage and they should not be concerned
about the safety of the sunscreens available in the New Zealand market which has adequate regulatory controls to ensure
that safety.
ENDS