Nano-sunscreens – a double-edged sword in protecting consumers from harm: viewing Australian regulatory policies through the lenses of the European Union

Nanotechnology has the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in manufacturing products,

including sunscreens. However, a knowledge gap between benefits and detriments of engineered

nano-materials used in sunscreens exists, which gives rise to safety concerns. This article is concerned

with the protection of consumers without impairing the embellishment of this promising technology. It

is widely argued that the harm associated with nano-sunscreens may only occur under certain conditions

related mainly to users skin vulnerability, which can be avoided by informed and careful use of

such a product. We thus recognize the need for fostering the growth of nanotech simultaneously with

preventing potential harm. We revisit the Australian sunscreens regulatory policies, which embrace a

“wait and see” approach, through the lens of regulatory policies in the European Union (EU) that are

influenced by a “precautionary principle.” We highlight the importance of informing consumers about

the sunscreen they are using and recommend that product labels should disclose the presence of

nano-ingredients in line with the EU disclosure requirements. This will allow users to carefully apply

the product in order to avoid any potential harm and to protect manufacturers from possible costly litigation

in future. This can be achieved through a combined collaborative effort of regulators, supply

chain entities, and end users.