Avanços da nanotecnologia em cosméticos frente às formulações tradicionais

Abstract

The word cosmetic has its origin in the Greek kosmetikós, which means “skilled in adorning”, that is, directly linked to the idea of beautification and body organization. On the side of the Brazilian legislation, the meaning is not far off, being intended for products whose objective is to clean, perfume, or care for the skin and hair. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, is an area that designs, manipulates, and applies materials on a nanometric scale, where atoms and molecules can be reorganized. Together, they form the so-called nanocosmetics, in which nanotechnology has been applied to cosmetics, bringing significant advances compared to traditional formulations, which has allowed greater stability of active ingredients, controlled release, and more efficient skin penetration. They are present in products such as sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizing lotions, offering better results and keeping active ingredients protected while prolonging their effects. In addition to functional advantages, it also raises concerns regarding safety, toxicity, and environmental impacts, especially when related to disposal in soil, water, and aquatic environments. Thus, there are still challenges regarding specific regulation and studies related to risks, highlighting the need for further research on the subject.