Formulating with nanotechnology in skin care opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Nanoparticles and other nanotechnologies are finding application in many areas of skin care. In most cases, the nano-ingredients are present as functional ingredients, conferring a particular benefit to the skin or, in the case of inorganic sunscreens, protecting the skin against external damaging agents such as UV light. Such ingredients often require specific formulating techniques to ensure that they remain stable and effective until, and after, they are delivered to the skin. However, there are also cases in which nanotechnologies can assist the formulator to achieve the desired properties of their formulation, to protect functional ingredients, or deliver them to the correct site in the skin.