Nanotecnologia aplicada aos cosméticos

Abstract

The cult of beauty and the youth is a reality, and the cosmetic industry has been following the consumption using scientific and technological advances. The nanotechnology applied in cosmetic ways it is one of the main representative form of this technological innovation, it is the use of physical particles with dimensions measuring 1 to 100 nanometer, containing active ingredients that are able to penetrate into the deeper layer of the skin, improving effects of product. Possible nanostructures used in nanocosmetics are liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid polymeric nanoparticles (nanocapsules and nanospheres), solid lipid nanoparticles, and inorganic nanostructures, including nanoparticles of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Among these nanostructures, the advantages in nanocosmetics are: better absorption, long-acting, light touch, and the main disadvantages are: the high cost, deficiency in study on possible toxicity and fault of rules. Nanotechnology it is the newest evolution in the pharmaceutical field, and studies about the benefits and toxicities will be required; however, there is no doubt about the improvement that this new technology is bringing to industrial growth and consumers satisfaction.