New Challenges in the Cosmetics Industry

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, cosmetics and medical device manufacturers face several challenges in developing innovative products, with the main objective of meeting the different needs of consumers. In this context, the increasingly widespread use of natural compounds as a source of bioactive molecules, associated with the reuse of industrial and natural waste, in a circular economy perspective, brings economic, environmental and performance advantages to this new product. These bioactive molecules have been showing different activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. In addition, the advent of the biotechnology industry has brought new ingredients, including growth factors, enzymes, peptides, and stem cells, among others. However, to make the use of these bioactive molecules feasible, optimization of their extraction, purification, and formulation is required. In the past 20 years, we have been witnessing the introduction of nanotechnology systems in cosmetic and medical device products. Their use brings several advantages, such as targeting and promoting the absorption of molecules through the skin and external mucous membranes, protecting molecules from degradation and prolonged release, among others. However, the use of this type of technology in cosmetic and medical device products raises regulatory issues that must be taken into account by manufacturers and deserve deep reflection. With this topic, the editors intend to reflect on the future perspectives of cosmetic and medical device products, taking into account not only the use of bioactive molecules obtained from residues and from biotechnological processes, but also the use of nanotechnology to improve the efficacy of the final products.

Prof. Dr. Ana Catarina Silva
Dr. Hugo Almeida
Prof. Dr. Ana Barros
Topic Editors