Nanomaterials or nanoparticles are used across various fields, from the medical field, beauty, and even the food manufacturing industry. For example, in the production of cosmetics, using nanomaterials can lead to the production of cosmetic products with higher quality compared to traditional means. Different parts of cosmetic and self-care industries have unique methods of applying nanotechnology in their production process. Some of the most common cosmetic products with nanomaterials are listed below:
Sunscreen: Coating the Skin
The beauty of sunscreens is that they allow you to enjoy being under the sun without suffering the harsh effects of ultraviolet rays. However, without nanomaterials such as those of zinc oxide in sunscreens, this feat is near impossible. When nanoparticles of zinc oxide are used in the production of sunscreens, they act as a coating on the skin that protects against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Lotions and Face Masks: Increasing Absorption
While not all the production of lotions involves the use of nanomaterials some companies add them for efficiency. However, the presence of nanoparticles helps influence the effects of the lotions on the skin. This is because the nanomaterials are used to transport proteins and nutrients from the skin’s surface to even deeper layers of the skin. Given the minute sizes of these nanomaterials, it is easy for them to work their way through several layers of skin cells and allow the skin to absorb the proteins they carry effectively.
Producers of cosmetic face masks follow the same principle, except that nanogold particles are the most popularly used nanomaterials. Gold has potent antimicrobial and anti-aging properties and is known to maintain the radiance of the skin. Using nanomaterials made of gold in face masks has, for these reasons, proven to be highly beneficial to the skin.
Shampoos and Conditioners: Keeping Hair Moisturized
Compared to shampoos and conditioners produced conventionally, the shampoos and conditioners made using nanomaterials are highly superior. This advantage is because the nanomaterials are better suited to transport proteins, active ingredients, and other supplements through the hair and scalp.
Liposomes are the most commonly used nanomaterials in this field, and they possess sealing qualities. These liposomes (and other nanomaterials) form a protein coverage over the scalp,
trapping in the much-needed moisture. Liposomes are a form of protein that the body needs, so the shampoos made using nanomaterials of liposomes are typically harmless.
Toothpaste: Keeping Bacteria at Bay
Nanosilver is one of the active ingredients used in the making of toothpaste. Silver contains antimicrobial properties. So, even in low quantities, it is ideal for fighting the bacteria in the mouth.
Using nanosilver in toothpaste has been said to have adverse effects. When it is absorbed, the body fluids can carry them into other organs, where they begin to act on the local microorganisms in the organ and the organ’s cells. The rate of absorption, however, is relatively low. In any case, you should exercise caution when using toothpaste with a nanosilver.
Perfumes: Long-lasting Effects
Perfumes and other sprays comprise solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), which are known to increase absorbency. After a spritz of perfume, the reason the fragrance lasts way longer on the skin and in clothes than it does in the air is these SLNs. These SLNs also ensure that your perfumes do not evaporate from their containers when stored for a long time.
Other Hair Care Products: Preventing Breakage
In different kinds of hair care products, nanomaterials make a relatively solid appearance. By using nanomaterials that target specific sites in the body, cosmetologists have been able to produce hair care products that are highly effective in maintaining and even improving hair quality and appearance.
Phosphatidylcholine is a naturally occurring and biodegradable nanomaterial used in making hair care products. It effectively treats hair loss and ensures the overall maintenance of smooth, shiny, and healthy hair.One of the benefits of using biodegradable nanomaterials is that they will reduce the harmful effects of the nanoparticles and ensure that both the transporters and whatever they carry are absorbed completely.
Nanomaterials: To Use or Not to Use?
The debate of whether nanomaterials are safe for cosmetic use has been going on for a long time. After weighing the pros and cons of nanomaterials, each side of the divide has solid points to back their convictions. Despite the few disadvantages, the opportunities that arise from using nanomaterials in cosmetic production are significant. If you want to start using nanomaterials, make sure the products are developed by a reliable and trustworthy company that puts customer safety first.
