Nanoparticles and other nanostructured materials have unique properties which cannot be achieved when working with the bulk form of the material. Applications for these special properties have been suggested in many industries – the cosmetics industry is one of those most eager to make the most of the opportunities presented by nanotechnology.
Nanomaterials have been used to try and improve the performance of a wide range of products, from moisturiser and anti-ageing creams to hair care. Most of the main cosmetics manufacturers have at least some «nano-enhanced» products in their range. However, there is still some controversy over the safety of these novel materials, and the regulation of nanomaterials in cosmetics is lax or unclear in many parts of the world.