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

Background: The safety evaluations of sunscreens containing Titanium DioxideNanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were done by dermal exposure, acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion, and skin sensitization according to the guideline for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was the evaluation of safety and toxicity of TiO2NPs following acute sunscreen exposure. METHODS: TiO2 and TiO2NPs (2040 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. RESULTS: In acute eye irritation using rabbits, the only irritation effect was observed in the conjunctivae area within one hour after administration both in TiO2NPs group and TiO2Ps. 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 (P lt;0.05) among groups in 15% concentration of TiO2 in the different durations after application. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that TiO2NPs and TiO2Ps in sunscreens are relatively safe and did not induce statistically significant eye and dermal irritation and skin hypersensitivity