Nano

Our policy on Nano technology is as follows:-

LAST UPDATED 12/05/08:
At Natural Collection we are careful to consider the stocking goods that use nanotechnology and in particular where the product's use comes into contact with our bodies. The reason for this is that some types of nanotechnology are still very unproven in their effects on people, other organisms and on the wider environment. In particular, nanoparticles (objects less than 100 nanometres in size) are being used in creams and other products such as pan coatings and there is doubt about their safety. The EU's SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products), 19 June 2007, 'Safety of nanomaterials in cosmetic products' report concludes that "a review of the safety of the insoluble nanomaterials presently used in sunscreens is required.

Whilst we remain unsure about nanotechnology in sunscreens we have been unable to find a better alternative. We will of course continue to seek better alternatives and reconsider our policy on nanotechnology until better evidence becomes available.
 
THE ISSUES WITH SUN CREAMS
Many sun creams on the market have been formulated with chemicals such as PABA and Benzophenone and we prefer not to stock creams with these ingredients.  The problem is that many alternative non-chemical suncreams work by creating a physical barrier with ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Both of these ingredients are deemed to be safe, but they have raised controversy when they are made on a nano scale.

Green People suncreams do not contain PABA or Benzophenone but they do contain nano-sized Titanium Dioxide which offers effective protection against UVA rays, the type of radiation that penetrates the skin and which is a leading cause of skin cancers. The reason nano-sized particles are used is because they are far more effective in the way they scatter invisible UV light and also at this size the product 'disappears' when rubbed into the skin,  whereas if larger particles were used the cream would remain white on the skin and also be less effective unless applied as a thick white layer.

Even though, in principle, we have decided to avoid selling products made using nano technology, especially those that come into contact with the body,  we have had to think very carefully about the issue in relation to sun creams. The choice here is between sun creams containing PABA and Benzophenone or sun creams like Green People's which contain nano technology or no sun creams at all.  We have decided that in view of the fact that sun creams are required for protection we should explain this issue to our customers and we feel that the Green People suncreams are the best that we have come across to date.