When producing cosmetics, chemists are always searching for ways to make products with maximum efficiency. Better UV penetration, deeper color pigment, or smoother application, all of these factors are goals as new products come out. However, there is one branch of science that the beauty industry has started to invest in, to make this possible: nanotechnology. Nano refers to “very small” or “one billionth” citing that it is a type of science “that includes the design, production, and application of structures and devices by controlling the shape and size of the atoms and molecules at the nanometer scale” (NLM, 2012). This combination of beauty and nanotechnology has created the term nanocosmetics. However, there is much debate over the use of nanotechnology and whether it is truly safe to implement.
Nanomaterials are synthetic or natural chemical substances that have properties ranging from 1-100 nanometers (nm). These substances are only one step above atoms, requiring a precise microscope to be able to see them. Nanomaterials can be separated into four different categories.
Carbon Nanomaterials: These are nanomaterials composed of carbon atoms which are commonly used in sunscreen for UV filters.
Organic Nanomaterials: These particles are carbon based and are considered polymeric nanomaterials and are biodegradable. These are primarily used in pharmaceuticals for medication delivery.
Inorganic Nanomaterials: These are any nanomaterials that do not include carbon components. Their chemical stability is better than the other categories and is the most common type of nanomaterial utilized in cosmetics.
Hybrid Nanomaterials: These materials are a mixture of inorganic and organic nanomaterials and are also utilized for medication delivery.
You can find nanomaterials in various products such as sunscreen, deodorant, shampoo, nail polish, foundation, and lotion. Some examples of nanomaterial ingredients in skincare are silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. A multitude of brands have already employed nanotechnology in their product manufacturing. Dating back to the 1980s, Lancome and Dior launched their first nanotechnology products with major brands such as L’Oreal, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, and Shiseido following suit.
Why is there such an interest in nanotechnology? Well, as said before, the technology can be utilized to create higher performing products. They can break past the barriers that brands have been facing in terms of improved stability of ingredients, deeper product penetration, enhanced texture quality, longer lasting effects, and so much more. With the possibility to continuously improve products, brands will continue to experiment and employ nanotechnology.
However, there has been much debate on the safety of nanotechnology. Because of their immensely small size, nanomaterials are more toxic for humans. Furthermore, they can penetrate the blood stream via skin or inhalation, leading them to make contact with vital organs. Long periods of contact can lead to dysfunction of the organ. According to NLM, carbon nanotubes have even been shown to cause kidney cell death and inhibit further cell growth.
Another issue is the surface area of nanoparticles. Again, because of their smaller size, they have a higher surface area to mass ratio which allows more weight for chemical reactions to occur. This then leads to increased reactivity, with some nanoparticles suspected to become explosive or photoactive.
Furthermore, workers are exposed to high levels of nanomaterials routinely during production and manufacturing processes. Additionally, as consumers continue to engage in nanotechnology-created products, specifically in cosmetics, they run the risk of being exposed to nanoparticles as well.
How can consumers stay safe from nanotechnology? Well, this space is still relatively untapped in terms of concrete research, however, there are regulations and ways to understand more about nanotechnology. Firstly, the FDA continues to monitor nanomaterial use in American cosmetic production however, there are no regulations for disclosing if a brand uses nanomaterials in their products. On the other hand, the EU has stricter regulations with brands needing to submit a premarket notification of all their ingredients before entering the European market.
Despite this, it is still possible for the American consumer to stay informed. Brands are required to include nanomaterials in their ingredients list, however, most names look similar to regular chemicals. Because of this, nanoparticles must have their name and then the bracket [NANO] next to it.
As brands continue to experiment with nanotechnology, it is up to the consumer to decide where they stand. Being educated on what goes into the products one is using allows consumers more freedom to make informed choices based on their own opinions, bringing power back to the consumer.
Works Cited
ADA Cosmetics. “Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: Overview – ADA Cosmetics.” ADA Cosmetics, 22 Jan. 2025, ada-cosmetics.com/expert-stories/nanotechnology-in-cosmetics.
Raj, Silpa, et al. “Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: Opportunities and Challenges.” Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, vol. 4, no. 3, Jan. 2012, p. 186. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.99016.
Safe Cosmetics. “Nanomaterials – Safe Cosmetics.” Safe Cosmetics, 2 May 2022, www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/nanomaterials.
Salvioni, Lucia, et al. “The emerging role of nanotechnology in skincare.” ScienceDirect, July 2021, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001868621000786. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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