Nanotech gradually ushering new era in cosmetics industry

THE beauty and cosmetic industry are changing from being a beauty enhancing market to a scientifically driven health-related field.

- DR VINEY CHAWLA

Cosmetics in the past aimed to enhance the external aspect of people, however, now the consumer is more aware and materials have become more innovative with their long-lasting consumption.

The use of nanotechnology has ushered in one of the largest fields for future development which allows cosmetic ingredients to be able to penetrate the skin and work effectively. Intelligent packaging and nanomaterials that enhance safety, stability, or performance could greatly benefit the future of cosmetics. Cosmetic products, especially those that used natural or organic ingredients, had very little shelf life in the past because they were likely to get contaminated.

Enter nanotechnology: packaging becomes “smart,” i.e. it can detect the presence of contamination, release antimicrobial agents and preserve products for longer time without use of toxic chemical preservatives. It is much more necessary for the natural formulations, which are now very popular. In fact, silver and zinc oxide nanotechnology carriers have antibacterial and sun-protective properties respectively as well to make the end-products just more functional while being safer. To traditional packaging material and preservative from synthetic based only, this kind of bio-nano packaging implies a very good progress in cosmetic safety and shelf-life extension. At present, nano-cosmeceuticals which act as a synthesis of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are most demanded natural products used for various skin issue applications. These products are capable of penetrating key ingredients deep into the skin, due to their nanostructured materials, which results in longer lasting and more dramatic results.