Incorporation of Metallic Nanoparticles into Cosmetic Preparations and Assessment of Their Physicochemical and Utility Properties

A method was developed for introducing metallic nanoparticles (nanoAg and nanoAu) into cosmetic compositions (shampoos and soaps). Embedding of silver or gold nanoparticles into the composition imparts antimicrobial activity. Physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations were characterized. To confirm the presence of metallic nanoparticles, a UV-vis study was conducted. The size of embedded nanoparticles was determined using dynamic light scattering. The micrometric structure of the obtained products was characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) microscopy. A technique was developed for the assessment of nanoparticle release from cosmetic products as well as for the analysis of the penetration of nanoparticles through a model dermal membrane. The evaluation of accumulation of nanoparticles in model human body fluids was a crucial step in this study. The antimicrobial properties of final cosmetic formulations were studied using Aspergillus niger. The results confirmed that stable cosmetic formulations with embedded metallic nanoparticles were obtained. It was determined that nanoparticles are able to penetrate through a model dermal membrane. However, after 20min of washing, the migration of nanoparticles was not confirmed. The obtained products exhibited biocidal activity against A. niger.