Effect of Propylene Glycol and Ethanol on the UVB-Induced Peroxidation of Linoleic Acid and Lipids of Porcine Skin, in the Presence of Different TiO2 Specimens.

Titanium dioxide is a sunscreen pigment with photocatalytic activity. We studied the behavior of different TiO2 specimens used in cosmetic products on the UVB-induced peroxidation of linoleic acid as model substrate and of porcine skin, at different pH values. Lipoperoxidation of linoleic acid occurred to a lower extent with the coated compared to the uncoated TiO2, and it decreased at pH 7.0 compared to 4.0. The addition of organic additives such as propylene glycol and ethanol induced a significant reduction of the lipoperoxidation activity, particularly with the most reactive TiO2 specimens. Similar results were obtained with the porcine skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]