Study finds industry and consumer have different views on nanoparticles in sunscreen

31-Jul-2012 - Last updated on 01-Aug-2012 at 10:05 GMT

A new study conducted over the last seven months has found that experts and consumers have a different understanding of whether the French consumer is sensitive to the presence of nanoparticles in sun creams.

The study was conducted by Planetinnov.com and Attraction between December 2011 and June 2012 on the perception of sun-protective products and nanoparticles.

Among those surveyed and questioned were: French Internet communities (50 blogs, forums, and websites) sensitive to solar products and nanoparticles, cosmetic experts (255 from 39 countries) and visitors of in-cosmetics Barcelona 2012 in April.

“What's interesting is the comparison of opinions between consumers and industry,” note the researchers, with questions on nanoparticles revealing the largest difference.

Not of high importance

When asked if the French consumer is sensitive to the presence of nanoparticles in solar protection creams, industry seemed divided; approximately 30 per cent said yes, 35 per cent were neutral and 35 per cent said no.

However from the consumer standpoint, almost 90 per cent stated they did not think consumers were sensitive to the presence of nanoparticles; representing a big difference of opinion, especially when considering the debates over nanoparticles used in sun cream and make-up.

“It is a bit of a surprise to see such a difference of opinion particularly over the nanoparticle issue,” Catherine Jean, president of Planetinnov, told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.

“Given the debate over such ingredients, it is interesting that the industry rates the subject as high priority, whereas it would appear it is not of such importance to the consumer,” she added.

Protection and well-being important

Other results from the survey showed that when it comes to perception of how attentive French consumers are to ingredient content, the web communities remained neutral. Consumers were also undecided on the importance of sun creams to contain organic ingredients.

Both parties heavily agreed that the use of solar protection creams by the French consumer was associated with the prevention of solar risks, and that the creams contributed to consumer well-being.

The details of the study can be found here