Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
157872
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Distribution of sunscreens on skin
Author(s)
Schulz, J; Hohenberg, H; Pflücker, F; Gärtner, E; Will, T; Pfeiffer, S; Wepf, R; Wendel, V; Gers-Barlag, H; Wittern, KP
Year
2002
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
ISSN:
0169-409X
Volume
54
Page Numbers
S157-S163
Language
English
PMID
12460721
Web of Science Id
WOS:000179355800012
Abstract
The effectiveness of sunscreens was originally achieved by incorporation of soluble organic UV absorbers such as cinnamates and others into cosmetic formulations. Determinations of the sun protection factor (SPF) of emulsions containing different organic UV absorbers clearly indicate that the efficacy depends on the absorption characteristics of each single UV filter substance. Nowadays, micronised pigments such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide have also been found to be protective against harmful UV rays. Our investigations using optical and electron microscopy proved that neither surface characteristics, particle size nor shape of the micronised pigments result in any dermal absorption of this substance. Micronised titanium dioxide is solely deposited on the outermost surface of the stratum corneum and cannot be detected in deeper stratum corneum layers, the human epidermis and dermis.
Keywords
sunscreens; sun protection factor; electron microscopy; nanoparticles; titanium dioxide
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity