Nanotechnology Products in Daily Life in 2022

Over the past decades, Nanotechnology and nanomaterials-based products created a fast-growing consumer market. 

The average person already encounters nanotechnology in a range of daily life products. There are over 1827 nanotechnology-based consumer products that have reached supermarkets and millions of consumers using these.

Nanoparticles are collections of tiny molecules or even just atoms. The sizes comprise a range of about 1 to 100 nanometers (nm) i.e. smaller than 1/100th the size of a grain of sand.

Due to these tiny sizes, these nanoparticles show a surprising range of properties that are greatly different from the larger sizes of the same substances, for example, enhanced strength, chemical reactivity, electrical conductivity, enhanced biological properties such as anti-oxidant properties, anti-cancer properties, anti-fungal properties, anti-bacterial properties, etc.

These unique properties attract and encourage scientists to develop various nanoparticle-based products for health care (nanomedicines), personal care, home decor accessories, various electronic tools & accessories, etc.

Many nanoparticles have been designed in such a way that their products mimic naturally occurring biological processes or structures.

These properties make sense to us about the evolution of humans which had about 3 billion years ago for designing and testing manipulations at the nanoscale labels.

During the past 30 years, there is greatly increased interest and research funding in nanotechnology, which led to the rapid development and increased demand for nanotechnology products in the fields of health care, personal care, agriculture, food industry electronic devices, and other consumer products.

You May Also Read: The Nanotechnology Products in the 21st Century

As a result, nanotechnology and nanomaterials-based products created a fast-growing consumer market.

There are over 1827 nanotechnology-based consumer products that have reached supermarkets and millions of consumers using these.

These products consist of different nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles (Ag, Ti, Zn, Au), metal oxides nanoparticles (TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, ZnO), carbonaceous nanoparticles (carbon, CNTs, fullerenes, graphene), and silica nanoparticles.

The majority of nanomaterials are used in the development of products for healthcare and fitness, home and garden, automotive, appliances, coatings, electronic gadgets, foods, and beverages.

Nanotechnology-based daily life personal care products

In recent years the demand for nanotechnology-based products increased tremendously and almost it entered into the daily life of most people.

Personal care products are the substance or mixtures of substances applied on external surfaces of the human body such as the epidermis of the skin, lip, external genital organs, hair, nail, teeth, and mucus membranes of the mouth, generally used for the purpose of cleaning, perfuming, or protection, modification of appearances, or keeping them in good conditions.

1. Cosmetic nanotechnology products

As nanotechnology proved itself as an innovative field of science for the design and development of various nanomaterial-based products with controlled shapes and sizes at the nanometer scale, therefore, its application in the development of cosmetic formulation is considered the hottest and most emerging technology available.

Moreover, nanomaterials-based cosmetic products mostly consist of nanoscale-size ingredients to provide unique and better properties to a specific cosmetic product such as better ultraviolet (UV) rays protection, deeper skin penetration, increased color, finish quality, long-lasting effects, and many more.

In the recent trend, micellar nanoparticles are the most popular in the cosmetic industries and are widely commercialized in both local and international markets.

A Micelle is formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules i.e., its structure consists of two different types of molecules such as one polar, hydrophilic molecule (head region/water-loving) which is always attracted towards the water or aqueous solution, and another is non-polar, hydrophobic molecule (tail region/water-hating) which always stay away from the water or aqueous solution.

Related: Nanoplastia hair treatment is far better than keratin treatment

Depending on the concentration, micellar nanoparticles are usually spherical and range in size from 2 to 20 nm depending.

These can encapsulate and deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents with their stabilized physical and chemical properties in a controlled manner.

This improves pharmacokinetics, favorable tissue distribution, and bioavailability. In our daily life, we are using various nanotechnology products, these include;

1.1. Nanotechnology Sunscreen products

Nowadays, nanoparticles have been widely used to produce sunscreens to make them more effective.

When choosing natural sunscreen, we have two options, i.e., sunscreen containing nanoparticles and without nanoparticles. 

Particularly, two types of nanoparticles i.e., titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide ( ZnO) are commonly used in sunscreen, and both these tiny particles are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, USA (FDA) as natural sunscreen ingredients.

TiO₂ and ZnO NPs are prepared by the sol-gel technique and the precipitation method, respectively. 

These particles provide a broad spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) rays protection and the titanium dioxide functions very well when combined with zinc oxide or another synthetic sunscreen. 

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide help in the absorption of a broad spectrum of UV rays. When we use traditional sunscreens and rub them onto the skin surface, these particles of large size form a white film over the skin and reflect visible lights as a result skin looks brighter.

In comparison to traditional sunscreens, the nanoparticles in the nanotechnology product (sunscreens) are usually 25 – 50 nm in size and behave differently. 

The nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the nanoparticle-containing sunscreens retain their high UV light absorption capacity as well as absorb and scatter visible lights and render the sunscreen transparent on the skin. 

On the basis of wavelengths, there are 3 different types of UV rays: UV A, UV B, and UV C. The UVA rays possess the longest wavelengths followed by the UVB and UVC which have the shortest wavelengths.

The UVA and UVB rays penetrate through the atmosphere while all the UVC and some UVB rays are absorbed by the Ozone layer.

So, mostly, a large amount of UVA and a small amount of UVB come in contact with our skin.

The UVA is typically responsible for sunburn by damaging the outermost layer of skin and UVB causes premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage like wrinkles, leathery skin, actinic keratosis, liver spots, and solar elastosis. 

Related: How Nano Keratin Treatment is better than normal keratin treatment!

Titanium dioxides are more effective to absorb UVB rays and zinc oxide absorbs UVA rays. Therefore, the combined formula of these two types of nanoparticles assures a broad spectrum of UV protection.

Here we have presented the best five titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles containing sunscreens, you may follow the given links to check them;

Looking for a recommendation?

Here are some examples of popular sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles, you may follow the link to check them;  

 1. Best-selling EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin with Zinc Oxide

• The best-selling EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face sunscreen is an oil-free mineral-based sunscreen that contains soy, cellulose, and zinc oxide as active ingredients.
• It protects from broad-spectrum UV rays (both UVA and UVB rays) of sunlight and is skin-friendly for Acne, rosacea, and dark spot-prone skin.
• This product is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

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2. Cerave Face Sunscreen with Zinc oxide & Titanium Dioxide

• The sunscreen is composed of 100% minerals and is also known as a physical sunscreen.
• The active ingredients of this face sunscreen are Titanium Dioxide (9%), Zinc Oxide (7%), which protect the skin by reflecting UVA/UVB rays.
• As Hawaii prohibits the offer of sale, sale, and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, this product is free from Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and benzene.
• Moreover, due to long-term exposure to sunlight, the naturally found ceramides (waxy lipid molecules) in the skin become damaged but the CeraVe products containing three types of essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) help to restore and maintain the natural barrier of the skin.
• Further, the formula of CeraVe products is free from oil, and fragrance, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin.

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

 3. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ & Zinc Oxide

• The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ is an Oil-Free, Hypoallergenic, and Water-Resistant gentle skin formula.
• The specially formulated mineral sunscreen is made with 100% naturally-sourced physical sunscreen and titanium dioxide (4.9%) and zinc Oxide (4.7%) are the active ingredients that provide protection against aging due to UVA and sunburn due to UVB rays.

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

        4. Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 and Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide Lotion, SPF 50

• This includes one Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30, 8 FL OZ)  and one Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50, 1 FL OZ).
• The Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide Formula contains Aloe and Vitamin E, which provide a protective barrier between the skin (face or other sensitive areas) and the sunlight protects the skin.
• However, the Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 protects against UVA Rays, and prevents premature aging, and moisturizes & enhances skin.
• The friendly ingredients of this formula are hypoallergenic and don’t irritate skin or clog pores.
• Both products have broad spectrum UVA / UVB protection and are water resistant for 80 Minutes.

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

        5. Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Multipack  

• The Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a water-resistant (80 minutes) sunscreen, that protects from a broad spectrum of UV rays (UVA and UVB).
• The sunscreen lotion is free from dyes, PABA, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone.
• According to a survey on the 2022 BrandSpark American trust study, it is the most trusted sunscreen brand by American shoppers.
• It is also formulated with moisturizers and Vitamin E, which helps in refueling the antioxidant defense of the skin.
• The bulk and bundle sunscreen packs include three 7-fluid-ounce bottles of SPF 50 sunscreen lotion and offer great value and maximum savings for families, sports teams, summer campers, and more.

 TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

1.2. Skincare Nanotechnology  products

The products or compounds used on the epidermis surfaces of the skin are specifically called skincare products and their effectiveness mostly depends on the types of ingredients used for their preparations.

The active ingredients used in skin creams are usually encapsulated with liposomal nanoparticles.

In contrast, in skincare lotions the active ingredients e.g., nutrients are encapsulated in the nanoparticles and are suspended in a liquid to form nanoemulsion.

As compared to the conventional compounds, these tiny sizes of nanoparticles help in the deeper penetration into the skin cells and deliver the nutrients into many layers in a controlled manner, as a result, the efficacy of the active ingredients increased many folds.

Due to the biocompatible, nontoxic, and biodegradable nature of liposomes, these are widely used in various types of cosmeceuticals. 

Liposomes are vesicular structures having an aqueous core and the aqueous core is enclosed by a hydrophobic lipid bilayer.

The size of the liposomes varies from 20nm to several micrometers and can encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds or ingredients at a specific site.

Phosphatidylcholine (a phospholipid) is the key component of liposomes, which is used for a variety of skin care formulations such as moisturizer creams, antiaging creams, and so on.

Antioxidants like carotenoids, lycopene, CoQ10, and other active components like vitamins A, E, and K are incorporated into the liposomes to amplify their both physical and chemical stability.

Nanoemulsions are nano-sized colloidal particulate systems, and their size varies from 10 to 1,000 nm. These are designed and developed for the improvement of the delivery of various pharmaceutical active ingredients.

Structurally they form small micellar nanoparticles with a high surface area in an aqueous medium and this property allows for the effective transport of bioactive ingredients into the deep layer of skin and their bioavailability with the stabilized chemical and physical properties.

The oil in water nanoemulsion is popularly used in the skincare products such as anti-aging lotions, sunscreens, make-up removers, facial cleansers, and other water-based dermatological formulations.

Looking for a recommendation?

Here are some examples of popular skincare products containing nanoparticles, you may follow the link to check them;

1. L’Oreal Revitalift Hydrating Day Cream – Anti-Wrinkle & Extra-Firming

• The Revitalift formula is enriched with Pro-Retinol A, a powerful anti-wrinkle agent, which is encapsulated in nanosomes.
• Nanosomes are small, uniform liposomes, which penetrate deep into the epidermis to work at the heart of wrinkles.
• Retinol is a powerful anti-wrinkle agent, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen.
• Collagens are structural proteins, that keep our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look but due to an increase in age, existing collagen in the body breaks down, therefore, taking retinol is the ideal choice to regain or prevent skin wrinkles.
• Retinol also stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which ultimately increases skin color.

 TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

2. Lancome Hydra Zen Extreme Soothing Moisturising Cream Gel, For All Skin Types

• This Moisturising Cream contains Nanoencapsulated Triceramides.
• Ceramides are composed of sphingosines and long-chain fatty acids, which promote cellular functions.
• Ceramides also help to create a barrier to prevent the permeability of the skin, which retains moisture and prevents dryness and irritation.

 TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

       3. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Day Cream

TODAY’S BEST DEAL: CHECK AMAZON

Here we have put a video available on YouTube, you may also watch it;

References:

• Wei, Y., & Yan, B. (2016). Nano products in daily life: To know what we do not know. National Science Review, 3(4), 414–415. https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nww073
• Patra, J. K., Das, G., Fraceto, L. F., Campos, E. V., Rodriguez-Torres, M. del, Acosta-Torres, L. S., Diaz-Torres, L. A., Grillo, R., Swamy, M. K., Sharma, S., Habtemariam, S., & Shin, H.-S. (2018). Nano-based drug delivery systems: Recent developments and future prospects. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0392-8
• Joseph, M., Trinh, H. M., & Mitra, A. K. (2017, February 24). Peptide and protein-based therapeutic agents. Emerging Nanotechnologies for Diagnostics, Drug Delivery, and Medical Devices. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323429788000073.
• Dhawan, S., Sharma, P., & Nanda, S. (2020, May 8). Cosmetic nanoformulations and their intended use. Nanocosmetics. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128222867000176.
• Aziz, Z. A. A., Mohd-Nasir, H., Ahmad, A., Mohd. Setapar, S. H., Peng, W. L., Chuo, S. C., Khatoon, A., Umar, K., Yaqoob, A. A., & Mohamad Ibrahim, M. N. (1AD, January 1). Role of nanotechnology for design and development of Cosmeceutical: Application in makeup and Skin Care. Frontiers. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2019.00739/full.
• Nanotechnology in Cosmetics and Skin Care. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.understandingnano.com/nanotechnology-skin-care-cosmetics.html.
• Adawi, H. I., Newbold, M. A., Reed, J. M., Vance, M. E., Feitshans, I. L., Bickford, L. R., & Lewinski, N. A. (2018, August 18). Nano-enabled personal care products: Current developments in consumer safety. NanoImpact. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2452074818300594.
• Kaul, S., Gulati, N., Verma, D., Mukherjee, S., & Nagaich, U. (2018, March 27). Role of nanotechnology in Cosmeceuticals: A review of recent advances. Journal of Pharmaceutics. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jphar/2018/3420204/.

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