Abstract
We are always exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the open air, though their intensity varies depending on the weather and seasons. To protect our skin from the threat of UV rays, cosmetic products with UV protection function are applied. A UV scattering agent composed of inorganic oxide powder (including titanium dioxide fine particles and/or zinc oxide fine particles etc.), and a UV absorber composed of organic compounds have been employed to fulfill the UV protection function. The present article summarizes the characteristics of UV scattering agents and UV absorbers generally used for the development of UV protection cosmetics, and introduces a novel, highly functional water-dispersion type titanium dioxide fine particle.
