Nanotechnology Essay

708 Words3 Pages
In recent years, nanotechnology is being developed in large-scale and widely used in industry and cosmetics. According to Hall, Tozer, Safford, Coroama, Steiling, Leneveu-Duchemin, et al. (2007), nanotechnology is a common term concerning about the scientific disciplines in characterisation and development of materials on the nanometer scale. However, Sample (2008) defined that nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter on the molecular level. In cosmetics, the two popular nanoparticles used are nanoemulsions and nanopigments. Nanoemulsions are macroscopic preparations containing oil and water droplets reduced to nanometric size while nanopigments are minerals already present in the environment such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide. (Hall et al.) In this research, uses, effects and safety issues of nanoparticles in cosmetics are discussed. Various studies have been conducted on nanotechnology to determine its development and uses in cosmetics especially sunscreens and face creams. Sample stated that nanoparticles used in sunscreens can impede ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is supported by Hall et al. where they claimed that nanopigments such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide are able to reflect and scatter UV light, hence protecting the skin. On the other hand, Sample and Hall et al. came out with different approach for nanoemulsions. Sample claimed that nanoemulsions used in face creams containing vitamins can kill off bacteria but Hall et al. said that nanoemulsions containing oil and water can increase nutritious oil content in the skin. However, Herman and Kuechel (2007) states that it is hard to search for studies proving that solid lipid nanoproducts are more effective than conventional creams. Although nanoparticles are widely used in cosmestics, the effects of nanoparticles in cosmetics are being concerned. According to Sample, it is believed

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