The American Cancer Society’s recent report, which categorizes titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen, further reinforces Marie Veronique Organics founder Marie Veronique Nadeau’s concerns over the mineral’s safety and efficacy for use in skincare products. They do not include titanium dioxide in any of their sunscreens, opting instead for the use of pigment grade zinc oxide. “Intelligent Ingredients” is more than just a tag line with Marie Veronique Organics. They are dedicated to only using ingredients in their products which have been proven to be safe and effective.
Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are commonly used in many mineral-based sunscreens because of their ability to protect against UV radiation. The American Cancer Society’s latest report has set the stage for further narrowing the range of safe choices. It says: “Identification of research needs to resolve the carcinogenicity of high-priority IARC carcinogens”, and goes on to list titanium dioxide as one of their top 5 "suspected carcinogens”.
Another drawback to use of titanium dioxide in sunscreens is that it not as stable as zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide is a UV reflector/absorber that protects in the UVB and short (320-340 nm) UVA range. As an absorber it has significant photocatalytic properties, forming free radicals when exposed to light. Free radicals generated by UV exposure are considered the main agents of cell damage leading to an acceleration of the aging process. Unfortunately, it is not widely understood that popular sunscreen actives like titanium dioxide and oxybenzone may contribute to increasing the harmful consequences their use is intended to reduce or eliminate.
In May, the Environmental Working Group stated that “The ideal sunscreen would block the UV rays that cause sunburns, immune suppression and harmful free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours and not create harmful by-products when degraded by UV light. It would smell, feel and look pleasant so that people use it in the right amount and frequency. Unsurprisingly, there is currently no sunscreen that meets all of these criteria.”. This summer, Marie Veronique Organics offered a new solution with the launch of Kid Safe Screen, a safe, effective, baby and child-friendly SPF 25 sunscreen. Along with Marie Veronique Organics’ Face Screens, Kid Safe Screen is currently rated by the EWG to be among the safest and most effective available, all without the use of titanium dioxide, harmful chemicals or nanoparticles. An important bonus is its wearability--Marie Veronique Organics’ unique manufacturing process and choice of ingredients allow for the use of non nano zinc oxide without turning skin ghostly white.
ABOUT MARIE VERONIQUE ORGANICS: As a former chemistry teacher, Marie developed Marie Veronique Organics with her daughter, physicist Dr. Jay Nadeau. Marie’s goal was to create a skincare line that would allow her to age gracefully and naturally. The company remains at the forefront of the natural skincare industry, refusing to use any ingredients that haven’t been proven safe. “We are honored to provide you with the smartest anti-aging products on the market, the most important being safe and effective sunscreens made with intelligent ingredients,” says Marie. Marie Veronique Organics operates responsibly and sustainably, sourcing fair trade, organic, and/or locally grown whenever possible, and using biodegradable products, labels, and easily recyclable packaging. Ten percent of company profits are donated annually to The Acumen Fund, a non-profit dedicated to creating better opportunities for women and children in Third World countries.
www.mvorganics.com