ICON DECODER
COMPANY RATINGS | |
![]() |
Praises, no criticism |
![]() |
Some praise, no criticism |
![]() |
No rating |
![]() |
Praises, some criticism |
![]() |
Criticism, some praise |
![]() |
Criticisms |
Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies.
They are not a comment on the product itself. |
|
OTHER ICONS | |
![]() |
Australian Owned |
![]() |
Outstanding Product Feature |
![]() |
Industry Alert |
IssuesWhat do you value? > Animal testing > Conflict minerals > Factory farming > Food miles > Genetic engineering > Labour exploitation > Nanotechnology > Overfishing > Packaging & waste > Palm oil > See all |
CategoriesWhat do you buy? > Baby > Clothing > Food & Drink > Household > Office Supplies > Personal Care > Pets > Retail > Technology > Toys > See all |
Sunscreen
The Guide > Personal Care > Toiletries > Sunscreen |
Nanoparticles in sunscreen
Physical sunscreens use titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. This is manufactured using a chlorine process that releases harmful dioxins into the atmosphere. These don't breakdown but accumulate up the food chain and have been linked to cancer. Scientific studies have shown that the use of 'nanoparticle' ingredients can produce free radicals and damage DNA, especially when exposed to UV light, and can result in serious skin damage. Other sunscreens are chemically based, absorbing rays. These have been criticised as leading to pollution of aquatic zones as they come off in water. [EWG]
- Avoid ingredients linked to skin damage - padimate O & avobenzone; and chemicals that can mess with hormones - benzophenone, oxybenzone, homosalate & octyl methoxycinnamate.
- Learn more about the use of nanoparticles in Australian sunscreens at Friends of the Earth's Emerging Tech Project. [FOE]
- A 2016 report by the Therapeutic Goods Administration stated "neither titanium dioxide nor zinc oxide nanoparticles are likely to cause harm when used as ingredients in sunscreens. The report showed that nano particles in sunscreens were unlikely to penetrate the the skin. [Therapeutic Goods Administration]
BRAND | COMPANY | OWNED | RATING |
---|---|---|---|
Le Tan | Heritage Brands | ![]() |
![]() |
Hamilton | Key Pharmaceuticals | ![]() |
![]() |
Clear Zinke | Key Sun | ![]() |
![]() |
Cancer Council | Vitality Brands | ![]() |
![]() |
Auscreen | Ross Laboratories | ![]() |
![]() |
Sun Zapper | Sun Zapper | ![]() |
![]() |
Aquasun | PharmaCare | ![]() |
![]() |
Ombra | Aldi Australia (Aldi South) | GER | ![]() |
Nivea | Beiersdorf Australia (maxingvest) | GER | ![]() |
Bondi Sands | Bondi Sands (Kao Corporation) | JPN | ![]() |
Sun Sense | Ego Pharmaceuticals | ![]() |
![]() |
Banana Boat | Edgewell Australia (Edgewell) | USA | ![]() |
Natural Instinct | Mentholatum Australasia (Rohto Pharmaceutical) | JPN | ![]() |
Invisible Zinc | iNova (TPG Capital) | USA | ![]() |
Reef | iNova (TPG Capital) | USA | ![]() |
Neutrogena | Johnson & Johnson Pacific (Johnson & Johnson) | USA | ![]() |