Nanomaterials in cosmetics: Transforming beauty through innovation and science

IF 5.45 Q1 Physics and Astronomy

Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects Pub Date : 2025-09-20 DOI:10.1016/j.nanoso.2025.101551

N.B. Singh , Ahmed Abdala , Most. Israt Jahan , Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan

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Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in the cosmetics industry, offering innovative strategies to enhance formulation efficacy, stability, and multifunctionality. This review gives the historical evolution of nanotechnology in cosmetics and provides a systematic classification of nanomaterials, encompassing organic nanoparticles, lipid- and surfactant-derived carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and inorganic nanostructures. The functionality, particularly improved skin penetration, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability are critically examined in relation to their applications in skincare products such as moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging formulations. Beyond skincare, the expanding roles of nanomaterials in oral care, haircare (washing, treatment, and dyeing), decorative cosmetics, and nail care are discussed to highlight their versatility. The advantages of nanotechnology, including solubilization of poorly soluble actives, improved chemical stability, and reduced production time, are carefully weighed against pressing challenges such as toxicity concerns, environmental release, ethical implications, and regulatory limitations. The review emphasizes the importance of safe-by-design strategies, risk assessment frameworks, and consumer trust in advancing the responsible adoption of nanocosmetics. Looking ahead, future directions point toward the integration of sustainable practices, eco-friendly nanomaterials, and circular economy approaches to address environmental and societal expectations. Collectively, this review article provides an updated perspective on the potential, limitations, and sustainable pathways of nanotechnology in shaping next-generation cosmetic innovations.

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纳米材料在化妆品中的应用：通过创新和科学改变美丽

纳米技术已经成为化妆品行业的变革力量，为提高配方的功效、稳定性和多功能性提供了创新的策略。本文综述了纳米技术在化妆品中的历史演变，并对纳米材料进行了系统的分类，包括有机纳米颗粒、脂质和表面活性剂衍生的载体、聚合物纳米颗粒、纳米晶体和无机纳米结构。其功能，特别是改善皮肤渗透，控制释放和增强的生物利用度，在护肤产品（如保湿剂，防晒霜和抗衰老配方）中的应用进行了严格检查。除了护肤之外，纳米材料在口腔护理、护发（洗涤、护理和染色）、装饰化妆品和指甲护理方面的作用也在不断扩大，以突出它们的多功能性。纳米技术的优势，包括难溶性活性物的增溶性、化学稳定性的提高和生产时间的缩短，都被仔细地与诸如毒性问题、环境释放、伦理影响和监管限制等紧迫挑战进行了权衡。该综述强调了设计安全策略、风险评估框架和消费者信任在促进负责任地采用纳米化妆品中的重要性。展望未来，未来的方向是将可持续实践、环保纳米材料和循环经济方法结合起来，以满足环境和社会的期望。总的来说，这篇综述文章提供了关于纳米技术在塑造下一代化妆品创新方面的潜力、局限性和可持续途径的最新观点。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects Physics and Astronomy-Condensed Matter Physics

CiteScore

9.20

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

22 days

期刊介绍： Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects is a new journal devoted to all aspects of the synthesis and the properties of this new flourishing domain. The journal is devoted to novel architectures at the nano-level with an emphasis on new synthesis and characterization methods. The journal is focused on the objects rather than on their applications. However, the research for new applications of original nano-structures & nano-objects in various fields such as nano-electronics, energy conversion, catalysis, drug delivery and nano-medicine is also welcome. The scope of Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects involves: -Metal and alloy nanoparticles with complex nanostructures such as shape control, core-shell and dumbells -Oxide nanoparticles and nanostructures, with complex oxide/metal, oxide/surface and oxide /organic interfaces -Inorganic semi-conducting nanoparticles (quantum dots) with an emphasis on new phases, structures, shapes and complexity -Nanostructures involving molecular inorganic species such as nanoparticles of coordination compounds, molecular magnets, spin transition nanoparticles etc. or organic nano-objects, in particular for molecular electronics -Nanostructured materials such as nano-MOFs and nano-zeolites -Hetero-junctions between molecules and nano-objects, between different nano-objects & nanostructures or between nano-objects & nanostructures and surfaces -Methods of characterization specific of the nano size or adapted for the nano size such as X-ray and neutron scattering, light scattering, NMR, Raman, Plasmonics, near field microscopies, various TEM and SEM techniques, magnetic studies, etc .