A review of the emerging role of cyanobacteria-based nanoformulations for skin care: Opportunities and challenges

Use of nanomaterials (NMs) is a promising feature in skin care products. Nanotechnology offers several advantages such as tolerance, stability, efficacy, and improved delivery systems which make NMs suitable drug carriers for the skin. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes that have various bioactive compounds used as natural ingredients in cosmetics as well as cosmeceuticals, and can help in the maintenance of skin structure and function. Cyanobacterial metabolites such as alkaloids, peptides, terpenes, polysaccharides, and lipids possess various beneficial bioactivities. In this review, we attempt to present new perspectives on cyanobacterial-based formulations with beneficial activity for the skin. New formulations present on the market are reported and also discussed the rules, regulations, toxicity, and safety assessments to determine the fate of nanotechnology and its commercialization. We estimate the global nanotechnology market for skin care and future growth. This review is focused on different cyanobacterial nanoformulations and the challenges in their development and commercialization.