Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are matters of great relevance and importance these days for many sectors including the cosmetics industry. The number of practical applications on the new findings is growing rapidly in this relatively young discipline. On the other hand the number of concerns related to the safety of nanotechnology and nanomaterials for human health and the environment rises even more quickly. What is a bit surprising, most of the reports dealing with the risks of nanomaterials use in cosmetics describe these risks as potential and do not provide with relevant proof.

The number of nanomaterials’ applications in cosmetics is still relatively limited. However, further development may be restricted by future legal regulations. Provisions concerning the safety assessment of nanomaterials will probably be addressed in the new EU regulation on cosmetic products that is currently in preparation. For this reason it is of importance for all the players in the cosmetics industry to follow the data published on the safety of nanomaterials as well as to monitor legislative initiatives in the field.

On the other hand, psychometric studies show a strong correlation of public perception of hazards related to new technologies including nanotechnology with regulatory actions taken by governmental agencies.

Is there a real risk that nanotechnology become a synonym of a “new menace” in the eyes of the public as it has already occurred in the case of genetic engineering and its application to food?

Authors: Ewa Starzyk, Anna Frydrych, Aleksandra Sołyga