Nanoparticle cosmetic creams safety warning
Tiny particles that may be toxic are being used in beauty creams without proper safety testing, a consumer group has claimed.
Ben Leach / London Telegraph | November 7, 2008
Nanoparticles, which are 80 times thinner than a human hair, are used by firms including Boots, The Body Shop, Avon, Nivea and Unilever, especially for UV filters in sunscreens.
Some manufacturers believe the technology can deliver the benefits of products in a more effective way.
But critics say the size of the particles may allow them to permeate protective barriers in the body, such as those surrounding the brain or a developing baby in the womb.
Their scale also changes the way they interact with other cells, which might lead to unforeseen toxic effects.
Following a report which raised concerns that some firms are not declaring their use of nanoparticles, Which? has called for the technology to be banned unless it is proved to be safe.
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