Nanotechnology Advances in Cosmetics

A special issue of Cosmetics (ISSN 2079-9284).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 6262

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
Interests: nanomaterials; nanotechnology; nanoparticles; nanocarriers; topical delivery systems; cosmetics; functionality; efficacy; bioavailability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cosmetics is deemed to be the fastest-growing segment of the personal care industry, and the use of cosmetics has risen significantly over the years. The introduction of nanotechnology, which was considered a breakthrough toward the creation of innovative products, is now well-established in cosmetics. The application of nanomaterials in cosmetics has become increasingly popular due to the diverse physical and chemical properties of nano-sized materials that are different from their larger counterparts. It has been demonstrated that engineered nanomaterials help to overcome the disadvantages associated with conventional cosmetics and add additional useful functionalities to formulations, including increased efficacy, transparency, unique texture, and the protection of active ingredients. Cosmetics based on nanotechnology offer various other advantages, such as increasing the bioavailability of the active ingredients and thus prolonging the effect of cosmetics while improving the overall performance. Nanocarrier-based transdermal delivery technology has been successfully implemented in the field of cosmetics, as it can effectively promote percutaneous penetration and significantly increase the skin’s retention of active components. Cosmetic formulations incorporating nanotechnology are a relatively new yet very promising and highly researched area. This Special Issue focuses on the advancement of nanomaterial and nanotechnology strategies and related innovations that can be applied to various cosmetic products. We invite the submission of comprehensive reviews and research articles on the emerging role of nanomaterials and nanotechnology for skin and hair care formulations, especially those that emphasize the beneficial effects of their extensive use in next-generation products, despite a continuing prejudice regarding the application of nanotechnology in cosmetics. The aim is to collect and summarize research and progress in the field of nanomaterials, highlighting the reappraisal of exploiting nanotechnology strategies in functional cosmetics and providing a reference for the further development of innovative and tailored products designed based on comprehensive scientific knowledge.

Dr. Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • nanotechnology
  • nanoparticles
  • nanocarriers
  • topical delivery systems
  • cosmetics
  • functionality
  • efficacy
  • bioavailability

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4953 KiB  
Article
Alpha-Bisabolol-Loaded Cosmetic Micellar Solution with Cleansing and Antimicrobial Action for Facial Skin Hygiene
by Nadezhda Ivanova, Neli Ermenlieva and Velichka Andonova
Cosmetics 2024, 11(5), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11050173 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1636
Abstract
The current research is focused on the discovery and optimization of an effective cosmetic carrier of alpha-bisabolol as a first step in the development of a cosmetic product with cleansing and antimicrobial action for facial skin hygiene. A micellar solution of Poloxamer 407 [...] Read more.
The current research is focused on the discovery and optimization of an effective cosmetic carrier of alpha-bisabolol as a first step in the development of a cosmetic product with cleansing and antimicrobial action for facial skin hygiene. A micellar solution of Poloxamer 407 was selected as a cosmetic base because of the good washing ability, easy application, and high tolerability of this polymeric surfactant. The solubilization capacity of a 5% micellar solution with respect to α-bisabolol was investigated by applying varying solubilization techniques and increasing concentrations of the oily active substance. The test samples were subjected to an accelerated physical stability test, viscosimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), foamability test, and antimicrobial screening. Over the course of this research, the advantage of the film-hydration method over direct solubilization was demonstrated by the narrower size distribution and smaller hydrodynamic size of the micellar nano-carriers (ranging from 29.02 to 116.5 nm) and the respective higher physical stability of the dispersions. The optimized composition was found to be suitable for application on large skin areas in terms of viscosity in the temperature range from 20 °C to 40 °C (3.4–2.3 mPa.s). Preservation of the washing capacity of the micellar solution in the presence of solubilized α-bisabolol was established. The active composition demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. This study concludes that the optimal concentration of α-bisabolol to be solubilized in a 5% Poloxamer 407 micellar solution by the film-hydration technique is 1%, considering the desirable physical endurance and antimicrobial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Cosmetics)
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11 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Nanotechnology for Effective Epilation: Assessment of the Application of a Protease-Containing Microemulsion
by Monika Skórka, Manfred Gahrtz, Maria D. Chatzidaki, Aristotelis Xenakis and Thomas Whitfield
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030085 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Background: Epilation is a very effective way to remove unwanted hair because of its long-lasting effects. However, there are some disadvantages such as pain during the procedure, the possibility of ingrown hairs and perifollicular inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether a [...] Read more.
Background: Epilation is a very effective way to remove unwanted hair because of its long-lasting effects. However, there are some disadvantages such as pain during the procedure, the possibility of ingrown hairs and perifollicular inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether a protease-containing post-epilation microemulsion is effective in improving epilation performance and alleviating the above problems. Methods: The application characteristics and effects of the tested microemulsion were evaluated during and after three applications in 30 female volunteers. This was conducted by measuring hair density, assessing hair strength, and evaluating the subjective experience of the volunteers using a questionnaire. Results: The measurements showed that after three applications, the apparent hair density in the axilla was reduced from 43.89 ± 12.44 hairs/cm2 to 16.67 ± 6.61 hairs/cm2 (p < 0.0001). In general, volunteers observed a reduced hair regrowth rate, resulting in longer epilation intervals, and more soothed and moisturized skin. Volunteers who previously experienced ingrown hairs or perifollicular inflammation reported the absence or improvement of these problems. Conclusions: The protease-containing microemulsion not only improves the performance of the epilation procedure, leading to less frequent epilation, but also improves possible negative effects of epilation such as ingrown hairs and perifollicular inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Cosmetics)
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16 pages, 2749 KiB  
Article
Structural and Photoprotective Characteristics of Zn-Ti, Zn-Al, and Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxides—A Comparative Study
by Orielia Pria Egambaram, Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai, Suprakas Sinha Ray and Marlize Goosen
Cosmetics 2023, 10(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040100 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2443
Abstract
Organic UV filters have been known to generate harmful by-products and undergo photoreactive degradation, which ultimately poses a great threat to consumers using sunscreen products. Inorganic UV filters such as TiO2 and ZnO, although considered safer options, are not without threat considering [...] Read more.
Organic UV filters have been known to generate harmful by-products and undergo photoreactive degradation, which ultimately poses a great threat to consumers using sunscreen products. Inorganic UV filters such as TiO2 and ZnO, although considered safer options, are not without threat considering their photocatalytic nature and ability to generate reactive oxygen species. A study was conducted to identify the influence of different metal ions on the photochemical properties of layered double hydroxides (LDH), Zinc-Titanium LDH (Zn-Ti LDH), Zinc-Aluminium LDH (Zn-Al LDH), and Magnesium- Aluminium LDH (Mg-Al LDH) and their prospects in photoprotection. The photocatalytic properties of the LDH were analyzed and compared to TiO2 and ZnO. The intermediate band gaps of Zn-Ti (3.72 eV) and Zn-Al LDH (3.3 eV) proved favorable and safer for the use of these LDH in cosmetic formulations as they offer lower photo-reactivity when compared to cosmetic grade ZnO and TiO2. The in vitro SPF values obtained for formulations containing 2 wt% Zn-Ti and 2 wt% Zn-Al LDH showed promise, with both samples claiming “broad spectrum” protection and valid claims of UVA protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Cosmetics)
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