Preliminary in vitro investigation of the potential health effects of Optisol™, a nanoparticulate manganese modified titanium dioxide UV-filter used in certain sunscreen products

Abstract

With increasing concern about skin damage resulting from overexposure to the sun, sunscreens producers have developed formulations designed to provide effective protection when applied as directed to the skin. Some of these formulations are based on nanoparticulate titanium dioxide which can offer UV protection alone or in combination with organic UV absorbers. This paper compares the potential health effects/hazards of a modified titanium dioxide, Optisol™, in comparison with other commercially available nanoparticulate titanium dioxides. An in vitro screening strategy led to in vitro tests for skin irritation, cytotoxicity, phototoxicity, and genotoxicity. In addition, Optisol™ was evaluated for any eye irritation potential according to the HET-CAM test. None of the titanium dioxide samples tested positive in any of the in vitro studies reported here. Therefore, these samples do not appear to present any significant human hazard as a result of dermal exposure when included as a component of sunscreen formulations.

• Titanium dioxide
• nanoparticles
• in vitro toxicology
• sunscreen