Does coating nanoparticles make them safe(r) for cosmetics?
Abstract: Our title today poses a loaded question. The cosmetics industry of course would argue that their products are already safe, whether they use nanoparticulate ingredients or not. On the other hand, there are research reports that show that nanoparticles could cause DNA damage and could accumulate in organs (with unknown consequences). It has not conclusively been proven, or disproven, that nanoparticles in cosmetics applied to the (healthy) skin are able to penetrate the skin and get into the body. Sunscreens are a good example for the pro & contra discussion about nanoparticles in cosmetics. Most people use sunscreen for two reasons: to avoid getting sunburn and to avoid getting skin cancer. If applied frequently and thoroughly, sunscreens do prevent sunburn. However, no one has ever determined that sunscreens actually prevent skin cancer. Another, mostly aesthetic, limitation with sunscreens is that they don’t rub into the skin very easily. You rub, and rub, and rub, but stil
