Nanocosmetics
Nanocosmetics
CONTENTS
Introduction
Classification of nanoparticles
Nanoparticles used in cosmetics
Nanoparticles preparation methods
Nanocosmetics preparation
Research done in this area
Examples of nanocosmetics
Pros & cons of using nanomaterials in cosmetics
Conclusion
References
INTRODUCTION
COSMETICS :
NANOCOSMETICS :
A. NANOPARTICLES AS UV FILTERS
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles have been widely used for many years
as UV filters in sunscreens.
Products using nanoparticles of ZnO or TiO2 are transparent so have increased
aesthetic appeal, are less smelly, less greasy and more absorbable by the skin.
Many sunscreens and moisturizers available now using these nanoparticles
including products from Boots, Avon, The Body Shop, L'Oreal, Nivea and
Unilever.
Example: UV Pearls, Cool Pears, etc.
B. NANOLIPOSOMES
Liposome's are concentric bilayered vesicles in which the aqueous volume
is entirely enclosed by a lipid bilayer composed of natural or synthetic
phospholipids which are GRAS (generally regarded as safe) products.
Useful for cosmetic delivery applications.
Used for delivering vitamins A and E and antioxidants into the skin.
The first liposomal cosmetic product to appear on the market was the anti-
ageing cream "Capture' launched by Dior in 1986.
C. NIOSOMES
Nano gold is another name for gold nanoparticles and it’s size ranges from 13–99 nm.
The major characteristics of nanogold that endorse it’s use in cosmetic products are
the inertness, very low toxicity, biocompatibility, and highly stable nature of these
particles.
Gold nanoparticles have also shown excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
There are many different cosmeceutical products in the global market which contain
gold nanoparticles, including anti-aging creams, face masks, toners, mists,
toothpaste, etc.
J. BUCKYBALLS
Buckyballs, also called fullerenes (C60), were one of the first nanoparticles
discovered. Buckyballs are composed of carbon atoms linked to three other carbon
atoms by covalent bonds.
Fullerene offers many skincare benefits. Because it is an antioxidant, it helps protect
the skin against free radicals which are one of the key causes of aging. It essentially
soaks up these pesky free radicals like a sponge so they don’t damage your skin.
In addition, it helps prevent breakouts and acne by balancing the oil production of
your skin. It also tightens your pores, improves skin texture, reduces redness, and
brightens the skin by suppressing the production of melanin.
NANOPARTICLES PREPARATION METHODS
Nanoparticles are nanometric particles entrapping the desired substance in its structure.
As this substance is enclosed in the nanoparticles, a performance improved could be
achieved. There are several methodologies applied to nanoparticles and the Table below
shows some of the methods applied to the following nanocarriers: nanoemulsions, solid
lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanocapsules, and nanospheres.
NANOPARTICLE METHOD
Nanoemulsions Ultrasonic emulsification-solvent evaporation, Ultrasonication,
Emulsification/evaporation
Lipid nanoparticles High pressure homogenization, High shear homogenization/high pressure
homogenization, Melt emulsification coupled with high shear homogenization,
Double emulsion, Hot melt microemulsion, Microemulsion coupled with probe
sonication, Ultrasonication
CONS :
The presence of high reactivity of nanomaterials because of the high surface to volume ratio gives
rise to toxicity.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are able to absorb UV radiations and produce free
radicals which affect the skin. This may lead to cell damage and skin cancer.
The nanoparticles are able to deliver actives present in cosmetics into the deeper layers of skin.These
chemicals may cause irritation.
When the nanoparticles are absorbed through the skin, pulmonary tract, brain, and other organs (via
blood) damage can result. Some of the nanoparticles affect the brain and raise some perilous effects.
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
The cosmetic industry makes wide usages of nanomaterials for various purposes such as
UV filters, preservatives.The characteristic properties of nanomaterials can impose some
undesired effects on the consumers. In this regard, the standard safety measures should
be designed and the necessary experiments of nanomaterials should be carried out.
The cosmetics which are in the form of sprays or aerosols should be taken more care of as
these particles may enter through inhalation.
The newly developed cosmetics should be tested for safety, efficiency, stability and
aesthetics
Due to the presence of significant properties of nanomaterials, the nanotechnology field
has been growing to a greater extent as a large number of publications on this field can
provide the evidence.
However, research on nanoparticle toxicity needs to be considered. The risks associated
with the use of nanomaterials need to be defined in different aspects.
Strict implementations of different safety regulations are needed. Toxicity studies, the
effect on human health and the environment of various nanomaterials used in the
industry should be studied thoroughly.
CONCLUSION
Nanotechnology is considered to be the most promising and revolutionizing field.
Over the last dozen of years, nanotechnology is widely being used and is beneficial
in the field of dermatology, cosmetics, and biomedical applications as well.
New technologies and novel delivery systems have been invented by scientists,
which are currently being used in the manufacture of nanocosmetics.
Novel nanocarriers which are currently being used are liposomes, niosomes, NLC,
SLNs, gold nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, and dendrimers in various cosmetics.
These novel delivery systems have remarkable potential in achieving various aspects
like controlled and targeted drug delivery, site specificity, better stability,
biocompatibility, prolonged action, and higher drug-loading capacity.
Nanotechnology has proved, beyond doubt, its beneficial effects especially in
sunscreen products, skin care creams, lipsticks, toothpastes, hair cosmetics, shaving
preparations, shampoos, anti aging formulations in the past decade.
REFERENCES