June 2014

Jersey Shore Cosmetics sunscreens, Jersey Shore Sun® , Sans Tan and Jersey Kids® Petrochemical-free sunscreens are made with safe, non- nanoparticle zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection. Sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide generally score well in EWG’s ratings because: * they provide strong sun protection with few health concerns; * they don’t break down in the sun; * zinc oxide offers good protection from UVA rays – titanium oxide less so, but better than most other active ingredients. Nanoparticles found in American sunscreens are either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Within the broad family of nanoparticles made from these two minerals the effectiveness of sun protection and the potential for health concerns varies. The properties of nanoparticles can vary greatly by size, shape and coating. Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection. It is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than titanium oxide or any other sunscreen chemical approved in the U.S. (Schlossman 2005). Years ago, zinc oxide sunscreens, often seen on lifeguards’ noses, were famously white and chalky. Today, sunscreen makers use zinc oxide nanoparticles to formulate lotions with less white tint. Could nanoparticles cause internal damage if they penetrated skin or were inhaled? Yes. Inhalation of nanoparticles particles is dangerous for many reasons. EWG strongly discourages the use of loose powder makeup or sunscreens using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide of any particle size. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens has classified titanium dioxide as a “possible carcinogen” when inhaled in high doses (IARC 2006b). The lungs have difficulty clearing small particles, and the particles may pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. Insoluble nanoparticles that penetrate skin or lung tissue can cause extensive organ damage. Nanoparticles in lip sunscreens can be swallowed and might damage the gastrointestinal tract, although there are no studies to suggest this is happening. The risks are less if digestion alters the properties of the particles reaching the intestines. There are lots of uncertainties about the degree of risk. We know that titanium dioxide has for decades been used as a colorant in commonly eaten foods, including doughnuts and M&Ms, and a recent study found that these particles would be classified as nanoparticles (Weir 2012). Read the EWG.org entire article here.. Jersey Shore Cosmetics sunscreens, Jersey Shore Sun® , Sans Tan and Jersey Kids®  Petrochemical-free sunscreens are made with safe, non- nanoparticle zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection.