Features, applications, and sustainability of lipid nanoparticles in cosmeceuticals

Abstract

Cosmeceuticals are a branch of cosmetic products that forms a bridge between cosmetic and drug products. It is a fast-growing branch of the cosmetic industry, especially after the introduction of novel formulation and manufacturing techniques such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These LNPs-based cosmeceutical products offer several advantages such as enhanced bioavailability of cosmeceutical active ingredients (CAIs), improved aesthetic appeal, and stability of the final products. However, the use of these LNPs may raise some concerns about possible side effects of these LNPs and potential hazards to the customer's health. Accordingly, an update that focuses on the use of this important branch of nanoparticles is necessary since most review papers are dealing with all types of nanocarriers in the same review with little focus on LNPs. Therefore, in the current review, a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of LNPs in this field was highlighted, to emphasize the LNPs-based cosmeceuticals on the market, as well as the potential risk posed by LNPs on exposure and recently introduced regulatory guidelines to address them. In addition, if these products can be a candidate as products that meet the sustainable development goals raised by the UN are discussed.

Keywords: Applications; Bibliometrics; Cosmeceuticals characteristics; Lipid nanoparticles; Sustainable.

Fig. 1

The number of publications available on the web of science® (until the end of 2020) related to A) “lipid nanoparticles” and B) “lipid nanoparticles” applied in the cosmetics field.

Fig. 2

Various types of lipid nanoparticles. (A) Nanoemulsions; (B) Liposomes; (C) Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) containing solid lipid (SL); and (D) Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) containing solid and liquid lipids (LL). Reprinted with permission from (Haider et al., 2020). Copyright 2020, MDPI.

Fig. 3

The number of publications extracted from the web of science® database until the end of 2020 of the different types of LNPs applied in cosmeceuticals.

Fig. 4

The adherence of lipid nanoparticles on the skin surface forming a thin film. Reprinted with permission from (Müller et al., 2014). Copyright 2014, tks publisher.

Fig. 5

Lipid nanoparticles protect the skin from UV-radiation (left image), increase the stabilization and release of the active ingredient (right image). Reprinted with permission from (Müller et al., 2014). Copyright 2014, tks publisher.