Eventually, nanotechnology may help us reverse aging at a cellular level. Until that day comes, we’ll have to be content with the ways that nanotechnology is being used in cosmetics to keep our skin more youthful and provide protection from harmful sunlight. Nanotechnology applications in cosmetics and skin care include:
Sunscreen that uses zinc oxide nanoparticles to block ultraviolet rays while minimizing the white coating on the skin.
Sunscreen that uses nanoparticles generated by ivy plants. Research has shown that these ivy nanoparticles are more effective than oxide nanoparticles in blocking ultraviolet rays.
Skin creams that uses proteins derived from stem cells to prevent aging of the skin. These proteins are encapsulated in liposome nanoparticles which merge with the membranes of skin cells to allow delivery of the proteins.
Skin care lotions in which nutrients are encapsulated in nanoparticles suspended in an liquid, making up a nanoemulsion. The small size of the nanoparticles, compared to particles in conventional emulsions, allows the nanoparticles to penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering the nutrients to more layers of skin cells.
Lotions that use nanoparticles called ethosomes to deliver nutrients that promote hair growth.
| Company | Product |
| Antaria | Sunscreen made with zinc oxide nanoparticles |
| Lifeline Skin Care | Anti-aging skin cream containing proteins enclosed in liposome nanoparticles |
| Marie Louis Cosmetics | Skin care creams that delivers nutrients to deeper layers of the skin by using nanoemulsions. |
| Elsom Research | Skin care products using nanoemulsions and liposomes |
| Sinere | Hair growth products using liposomes and ethosomes |