A cosmeceutical perspective of engineered nanoparticles

Abstract Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) with changed physical and chemical properties find numerous applications affecting the quality of human life. They have entered almost all industrial sectors, namely cosmetics, pharmaceutical, medical, food, agrochemicals, fuel, and textiles, with commercial value. They are also used in paints, chemical and biological sensors, optics, and as effective UV-absorbers and free-radical scavengers. Engineered nanoparticles are prepared using top-down or bottom-up approaches and are characterized on the basis of dispersion, homogeneity, and shape. Several types of NPs with altered surface properties are used in the cosmetic industry including silica, fullerene, carbon nanotubes, gold, silver, cerium and iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. The cosmetic industry is one of the most relevant industries with respect to monetary income and profit and in the present scenario in which consciousness about physical appearance and personal care is considered important, advancements in technology are of utmost concern. Nanotechnology has become an integrated part of the cosmetic development process because of its favorable qualities such as small particle size, antimicrobial properties, UV protection, increased stability and shelf-life, free radical scavenger qualities, and long lasting. However, these engineered nanoparticles, which are ingredients of many cosmetics at the present time, pose a danger to the environment and hazards to human health. More rigorous research and application guidelines are required in the area of nanocosmeceuticals to avoid their toxic effects on human life and environmental hazards. In this chapter, future prospects of engineered nanoparticles in the cosmetic industry are discussed along with their limitations.