Nanocarriers as Active Ingredients Enhancers in the Cosmetic Industry-The European and North America Regulation Challenges

Flawless skin is the most universally desired human feature is an iconic statement by Desmond Morris. Skin indicates one ' s health and is so important that it affects a person's emotional and psychological behavior, these facts having propelled the development of the cosmetics industry. It is estimated that in 2023, this industry will achieve more than 800 billion dollars. This boost is due to the development of new cosmetic formulations based on nanotechnology. Nanocarriers have been able to solve problems related to active ingredients regarding their solubility, poor stability, and release. Even though nanocarriers have evident benefits, they also present some problems related to the high cost, low shelf life, and toxicity. Regulation and legislation are two controversial topics regarding the use of nanotechnology in the field of cosmetics. In this area, the U.S. FDA has taken the lead and recommended several biosafety studies and post-market safety evaluations. The lack of a global definition that identifies nanomaterials as a cosmetic ingredient is a hindrance to the development of global legislation. In the EU, the legislation regarding the biosafety of nanomaterials in cosmetics is stricter. The cost is not the only important issue, safety and the application of alternative testing methods for toxicity are of crucial importance as well.

Automated summary

Flawless skin is desired by people universally, as it indicates a person's health and affects their emotional and psychological behavior. This has led to the growth of the cosmetics industry, especially with the development of nanotechnology-based formulations. Nanocarriers have addressed issues related to the solubility, stability, and release of active ingredients. However, they also come with challenges such as high cost, short shelf life, and toxicity. Regulation and legislation regarding the use of nanotechnology in cosmetics are controversial, with the FDA taking the lead in the US. The lack of a global definition for nanomaterials as cosmetic ingredients hinders the development of global legislation.