Nanocosmeceuticals: facets and aspects

The global cosmetic market prized $532.43 billion USD in 2017 is expected to reach $805.61 billion USD by 2023, with a 7.14% compound annual growth rate. These figures have appealed to the cosmeceutical players for developing new and effective products containing advanced materials. Cosmetics incorporated with pharmaceutical actives, termed as ‘cosmeceuticals,’ are receiving an overwhelming response from cosmetic industry. Nowadays, the implementation of nanotechnology for enhanced effectiveness of cosmeceuticals is witnessing a huge success. These applications include remedies for hair damage, wrinkles, aging and skin dryness. Currently, there is a need to establish regulations and harmonized guidelines for nanotechnology-based products to assess their efficacy, safety and toxicity profiles. This review summarizes current development, applications, safety and regulations of nanocosmeceuticals. Cosmetics are the most lucrative consumer products – always in demand by people of all age groups; from baby lotions to antiwrinkle creams. Cosmetics with therapeutically useful actives, formulated using nanotechnology are regarded as nanocosmeceuticals. These nanocosmeceuticals are becoming more popular in the cosmetic industry. Inspite of their high demand, the biggest challenge for nanocosmeceuticals lies in their short- and long-term safety issues, environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles.