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A review of critical factors for assessing the dermal absorption of metal oxide nanoparticles from sunscreens applied to humans, and a research strategy to address current deficiencies

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Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens provide broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection to skin. All studies to assess dermal penetration of nanoparticles have unanimously concluded that the overwhelming majority of nanoparticles remain on the outer surface of the skin. However, possibly due to many different experimental protocols in use, conclusions over the potential penetration to viable skin are mixed. Here, we review several factors that may influence experimental results for dermal penetration including the species studied (human, or animal model), size and coating of the metal oxide nanoparticles, composition of the sunscreen formulation, site of sunscreen application, dose and number of applications, duration of the study, types of biological samples analysed, methods for analysing samples, exposure to UV and skin flexing. Based on this information, we suggest an appropriate research agenda involving international collaboration that maximises the potential for dermal absorption of nanoparticles, and their detection, under normal conditions of sunscreen use by humans. If results from this research agenda indicate no absorption is observed, then concerns over adverse health effects from the dermal absorption of nanoparticles in sunscreens may be allayed.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Sally Tinkle (Science and Technology Policy Institute, previously National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, USA) for suggesting the concept of a defining study to be performed in two or more laboratories, Dr. Andrew Bartholomaeus (FSANZ, previously TGA, Australia) for suggesting that the formulation include a penetration enhancer, Professor Andrew Maynard (Risk Science Centre, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan) and Paul Howard (National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for their insightful and constructive comments, and Mary Salter, the phlebotomist for the Sydney human studies, who unfortunately passed away in November 2014.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science, Graduate School of the Environment, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Brian Gulson

  2. CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia

    Brian Gulson

  3. CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia

    Maxine J. McCall

  4. Risk Science Centre and Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA

    Diana M. Bowman

  5. Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares e Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10, 26, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal

    Teresa Pinheiro

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Correspondence to Brian Gulson.

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Gulson, B., McCall, M.J., Bowman, D.M. et al. A review of critical factors for assessing the dermal absorption of metal oxide nanoparticles from sunscreens applied to humans, and a research strategy to address current deficiencies. Arch Toxicol 89, 1909–1930 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-015-1564-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-015-1564-z

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