Zinkoxid in Kosmetika und Sonnenschutzprodukten - Das Verwirrspiel geht weiter

While in the USA and in Australia, ZnO is approved for use as UV filter, in the EU and in Switzerland it is not allowed [1,2]. In Germany, an exemption clause is in force permitting the use of ZnO as a UV filter until 2010. While production and import of new zinc oxide containing sun protection products is prohibited in Switzerland, selling products that have previously been on the market is allowed.Substances to be used in sunscreen creams to protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays are examined in advance and subject to approval, so that they do not pose any health risk to consumers. Previously, the scientific committees of the EC has been charged with the evaluation of ZnO in cosmetic products [4] and ZnO suitable for use as UV filters [5]. The committee concluded that for a proper safety evaluation of microfine ZnO for use as a UV filter, more information was required. The SCCP has clarified their position in January 2009 stating that "the use of the non-nanoscale form of ZnO is considered safe. The concern expressed in the previous SCCNFP opinion [4] with regard to phototoxicity is not relevant for this form of ZnO due to the absence of dermal penetration" [6].

Besides the discussion about the safety of using ZnO as UV filter in sunscreen products, some companies have started to use nanoscale particles of ZnO or titanium dioxide in order to be able to produce transparent sunscreens with high UV absorption. Once the discussion about the use of zinc oxide in general has led to consistent regulation, the next debate will probably be about the use of these particles at the nanoscale and reviewing the existing database on this issue [3].