Evaluating the Influence of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Size on Sunscreen UV Filters

Sunscreens are employed to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) being one of the widely used components in sunscreen formulations. This study aims to assess, through computational simulations, the efficacy of TiO2NPs of varying sizes and density as UV filters in sunscreens. As a result, TiO2demonstrated excellent UV absorption capacity, essential for sunscreens, and minimal visible backscattering, which reduces the opaque effect on the skin. It was found that NPs with diameters between 60 nm and 100 nm provide the highest sun protection factor (SPF) indices, with 100 nm being the most favorable due to reduced skin absorption. Additionally, solar filter based on TiO2NPs with concentrations up to 5% provides adequate SPF values for UV protection. This study helps identify the best conditions for the use of TiO2NPs in sunscreens.