Question

Sunscreen lotions contains nanoparticles of

• A. Gold
• B. Pt
• C. $\text{TiO}_2$
• D. Pd

Hint:

Titanium dioxide ($\text{TiO}_2$) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) are the two FDA-approved physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredients. If you see either in a multiple-choice question about sunscreens or UV protection, it's the correct answer!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: What does a sunscreen need?
It needs a material that soaks up or scatters harmful UV light to guard the skin.

Step 2: Rule out the metals.
Gold, platinum and palladium are used mostly for catalysis and electronics, not in skin creams.

Step 3: Pick the oxide.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles block UV well and look clear on the skin, so they are used in sunscreens.
\[ \boxed{\text{TiO}_2} \]