Nano-Cosmetics: A Dangerous Trend?

Nanotechnology is an emerging trend in almost every field-from pure industrial purposes to medical uses; ‘nanos’ are infiltrating every area of our life. In this article we’ll explain what nanotechnology is, how cosmetic companies are jumping on this bandwagon, and the downside of using nanos.

Written by Lisa Powell, Green Health Research Contributor

What is Nanotechnology?

Simply defined, nanotechnology is the development and use of nano particles; or the study and manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular level. Nano particles are microscope: they’re so small that one strand of human hair is 80,000 nanometers in width. Nanotechnology can involve both the manipulation and use of existing atoms and molecules or the creation of new atoms and molecules.

How Is Nanotechnology Used in Cosmetics?

Nanotechnology in cosmetics generally takes three forms: nanoemulsions, nanosomes, and nanovectors. Nanoemulsions in shampoos and conditioners coat ingredients’ molecules and carry these ingredients deeper into the hair shaft than they’d be able to travel in large sizes. Nanosomes or liposomes of Pro-Retinol A deeply penetrate skin and halt the emergence of wrinkles by forcing cells to constantly turn-over. Nanovectors are used to concentrate and transport cosmetic ingredients into the skin.

One specific example of nanotechnology taken out of the realm of science and transported into skin care are the use of carbon fullerenes, or “buckyballs.” The discovery of buckyballs lead to the increase in interest in nanotechnology and its applications, and won their discoverer the Nobel Prize. Buckyballs look like tiny soccer balls made of carbon atoms, and are currently being used in many moisturizers.

What Are the Potential Benefits?

According to many cosmetic companies, the benefits of nano technology are virtually limitless. Cosmetic companies that use nano particles claim that because these particles are so small they are much more effective at delivering the benefits of skin care and makeup products into the skin.

Nano particles are small enough to penetrate the skin’s protective barriers and many layers. In the past, ingredients could not pass as far into the skin because natural particles are generally too large in size and the skin only allowed them to go into the first layer of skin. Cosmetic companies believe that since these nano particles go so deep into the skin that they can improve the look and feel of skin molecularly, which would result in much more noticeable and intense results than more conventional products.