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Nanomaterials

Insoluble nanoparticles in cosmetic products are essentially used as UV-filters or preservatives.Nanoparticles alter properties of cosmetic products including color, transparency, solubility and chemical reactivity.^[4] It is unclear to what extent insoluble nanoparticles are used in cosmetic products.

WHAT ARE NANOMATERIALS?

There is not a legal definition for nanomaterials. Typically, they are defined as purposely engineered materials with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers, which is about 1/8000 the width of a human hair.^[1] At this size, materials begin to exhibit unique properties that affect physical, chemical, and biological behavior.^[2] There is no single type of nanomaterial. They can differ with respect to composition, primary particle size, shape, surface coatings and strength of particle bonds.^[3]

Nano-sized particles exist in nature and can be created from a variety of elements and compounds, such as carbon or silver. Most nanoscale materials are too small to be seen with the naked eye or conventional lab microscopes.^[5]

Some nanomaterials are referred to as engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) which are used to design pharmaceuticals, electronics, and can be added to cloth or other materials to make them stronger yet lighter.^[6]

Found In

Deodorants
Toothpastes
Shampoos
Lotions
Foundation
Anti-aging creams
Nail polish.

What to look for on the label

Fullerenes
Micronized zinc oxide
Nano zinc oxide
Micronized titanium dioxide
Micronized quartz silica

Health Concerns

Studies have indicated that low solubility nanoparticles tend to be more toxic than larger particles of the same material.^[7] However, we know very little about the potential effects on human health and the environment due to research gaps related to nanoscale materials.

Exposure to nanomaterials may happen through the skin^[8] or inhalation. The skin may be permeable to nanomaterials of different shapes and properties. Short-term inhalation may lead to exposures that are retained in the lung and other organs after six months.^[9]^[10]

There is evidence that following nasal inhalation some nanoparticles may reach the brain.^[11]^[12] Iridium nanoparticles circulating in blood can cross the blood-brain barrier.^[13]^[14] Several in vivo studies have shown that inhaled ultrafine particles can pass into the circulation.^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18]

Inhalation of nanomaterials may lead to inflammation and oxidative stress.^[19]^[20]^[21] The molecular charge of nanoparticles may play a role in body’s response to inhalation exposure.^[22]

Some minerals become invisible but still absorb UV radiation at the nanoscale. These UV-filtering substances are increasingly used for broad-band sun protection including UVA radiation.

Titanium Dioxide (TiO2): TiO2 nanoparticles may be more toxic than larger particles of TiO2, which pose few health hazards.^[25]^[26] Many studies have found that non-nanoized TiO2 used as a mineral UV-filter in sunscreen cosmetic products does not penetrate healthy skin and poses no human health risks from skin exposure.^[27]^[28]^[29]^[30] However, rats and mice exposed to nanoized TiO2 (normally <100 nm) experience significant lung inflammation^[31]^[32]^[33] and DNA damage.^[34] This raises concerns that human inhalation of TiO2 could also lead to adverse health effects.

Zinc Oxide (ZnO): Studies have found that even low concentrations of ZnO may lead to damage in human epidermal cells.^[35] Yet, a review of the risks of nano-structured TiO2 and ZnO found nanoized TiO2 and ZnO are not likely to penetrate the skin due to how they are bound. The researchers concluded both materials are safe to use as UV filters.^[36]

Silver: Nanoized silver may lead to oxidative stress and resulting cell damage.^[37] Silver nanoparticles have shown toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Research suggests that nanoparticles cross the blood-testes barrier where they can be deposited into the testes with the potential for adverse effects on sperm cells.^[38] Studies have shown silver nanoparticles can bind to different tissues and can cause a number of toxic effects that gradually lead to cell death.^[39]

Fullerenes: Fullerenes are carbon tubes sometimes used in anti-aging and eye creams.^[40] Fullerenes may penetrate into the top two layers of the skin (the epidermis and dermis).^[41] They also make the skin unusually sensitive to light, leaving cells vulnerable to the effects of UV light exposure.^[42]^[43]

Silica: Nanoized silica may lead to pregnancy complications when injected intravenously into pregnant mice. It also appears nanoized silica can cross the placenta, leading to deposits in the fetal liver and fetal brain.^[44] Ultrafine crystalline silica (SiO2) nanoparticles induce cell damage leading cell mutations and cancer cells with two nuclei in human in vitro cells.^[45]

Carbon Black: Ultrafine carbon black particles may alter genes in lung cells, lead to inflammation and inhibit the growth of cells that line the circulatory system. ^[46]^[47] Research suggests nanosized carbon black may lead to mutations in the lung cell of rats exposed 15 months earlier.^[48]

Vulnerable Populations

Workers

Regulations

FDA monitors the use of nanotechnology and the use of nanoscale materials in cosmetics, but does not ban nanomaterials.^[49] The European Commission prohibits the use of zinc oxide as a UV filter.^[50]

How to Avoid?

Research has shown nanoized particles can be potentially harmful when inhaled. Avoid loose cosmetic powders and aerosol sunscreen products that contain nanoized TiO2 or ZnO. Don’t forget to check the ingredient labels of your personal care products.

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By Population

Babies & Children

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Workers

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Anti-Aging

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Dental

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Hair

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Nail

Skin Lighteners

Sunscreens

By Health Concerns

Allergens & Irritants

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Organ-System Toxicity

References

[1] FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nanotechnology. 2016. Available online: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ScienceResearch/Nanotech/default.htm. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[2] CDC: Centers for Disease Control. Nanotechnology. 2016. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/default.html. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[3] NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Nanomaterials. 2016. Available online: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-nano/index.cfm. Accessed April 19,2022.

[4] Friends of the Earth Report – Nanomaterials, Sunscreens and Cosmetics: Small Ingredients Big Risks. Available online: http://www.foe.org. Accessed April 19,2022.

[5] NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Nanomaterials. 2016. Available online: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-nano/. Accessed April 19,2022.

[6] NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Nanomaterials. 2016. Available online: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-nano/. Accessed April 19,2022.

[7] CDC: Centers for Disease Control. Nanotechnology. 2016. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/default.html. Accessed April 19,2022.

[8] Ryman-Rasmussen JP, Riviere JE, Monteiro-Riviere NA. Penetration of intact skin by quantum dots with diverse physicochemical properties. Toxicological Sciences. 2006 May 1;91(1):159-65.

[9] Semmler M, Seitz J, Erbe F, Mayer P, Heyder J, Oberdorster G, et al. Long-term clearance kinetics of inhaled ultrafine insoluble iridium particles from the rat lung, including transient translocation into secondary organs.Inhal Toxicol 2004: 16(6-7):453-9.

[10] Semmler-Behnke M, Takenaka S, Fertsch S, Wenk A, Seitz J, Mayer P, et al. Efficient elimination of inhaled nanoparticles from the alveolar region: evidence for interstitial uptake and subsequent reentrainment onto airways epithelium. Environ Health Perspect. 2007 May; 115(5):728-33.

[11] Oberdörster G, Sharp Z, Atudorei V, Elder A, Gelein R, Kreyling W, et al. Translocation of inhaled ultrafine particles to the brain. Inhal Toxicol 2004; 16:437-445.

[12] Elder A, Gelein R, Silva V, Feikert T, Opanashuk L, Carter J et al. Translocation of inhaled ultrafine manganese oxide particles to the central nervous system. Environ Health Perspect 2006; 114(8):1172-1178.

[13] Kreyling WG, Semmler-Behnke M, Möller W. Health implications of nanoparticles. J Nanopart Res 2006a;8:543-562.

[14] Semmler M, Seitz J, Erbe F, Mayer P, Heyder J, Oberdorster G, et al. Long-term clearance kinetics of inhaled ultrafine insoluble iridium particles from the rat lung, including transient translocation into secondary organs.Inhal Toxicol 2004: 16(6-7):453-9.

[15] Nemmar A, Hoet PH, Vanquickenborne B, Dinsdale D, Thomeer M, Hoylaerts MF, et al. Passage of inhaled particles into the blood circulation in humans. Circulation 2002a; 105(4):411-414.

[16] Nemmar A, Hoylaerts MF, Hoet PH, Dinsdale D, Smith T, Xu H, et al. Ultrafine particles affect experimental thrombosis in an in vivo hamster model. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002b; 166(7):998-1004.

[17] Oberdörster G, Sharp Z, Atudorei V, Elder A, Gelein R, Lunts A, et al. Extrapulmonary translocation of ultrafine carbon particle following whole-body inhalation exposure of rats. J Toxicol Environ Health 2002; 65(20):1531-1543.

[18] Kreyling W, Semmler M, Erbe F, Mayer P, Schulz H, Oberdorster G, et al. Translocation of ultrafine insoluble iridium particles from lung epithelium to extrapulmonary organs is size dependent but very low. J Toxicol Environ Health 2002; 65(20):1513-1530.

[19] Khandoga A, Stampfl A, Takenaka S, Schulz H, Radykewicz R, Kreyling W, Krombach F. Ultrafine particles exert prothrombotic but not inflammatory effects on the hepatic microcirculation in healthy mice in vivo. Circulation 2004; 109(10):1320-1325.

[20] Nemmar A, Hoylaerts MF, Nemery B. Effects of particulate air pollution on hemostasis.Clin Occup Environ Med. 2006;5(4):865-81.

[21] Bai N, Khazaei M, van Eeden SF, Laher I. The pharmacology of particulate matter air pollution-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Pharmacol Ther 2007;113(1):16-29.

[22] Xia T, Kovochich M, Brant J, Hotze M, Sempf J, Oberley T, et al. Comparison of the abilities of ambient and manufactured nanoparticles to induce cellular toxicity according to an oxidative stress paradigm. Nano Lett 2006; 6(8):1794-1807.

[24] European commission. Safety of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products. 2007. Available online: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_123.pdf. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[25] Oberdörster G. Pulmonary effects of inhaled ultrafine particles. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2001; 74(1):1-8.

[26] Sager TM, Kommineni C, Castranova V. Pulmonary response to intratracheal instillation of ultrafine versus fine titanium dioxide: role of particle surface area. Part Fibre Toxicol 2008; 5: 17.

[27] Borm PJ, Robbins D, Haubold S, Kuhlbusch T, Fissan H, Donaldson K et al. The potential risks of nanomaterials: a review carried out for ECETOC, Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2006, 3:11. More information available online: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_123.pdf. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[28] SCCNFP/0005/98 (Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products) Titanium Dioxide, adopted by the SCCNFP during the 14th plenary meeting of 24 October 2000.

[29] Gamer AO, Leibold E, van Ravenzwaay B. The in vitro absorption of microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide through porcine skin. Toxicol In Vitro. 2006;20(3):301-7.

[30] Lademann J, Weigmann H, Rickmeyer C, Barthelmes H, Schaefer H, Mueller G, et al. Penetration of titanium dioxide microparticles in a sunscreen formulation into the horny layer and the follicular orifice. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 1999;12(5):247-56.

[31] Ferin J, Oberdoerster G, Penney DP. Pulmonary retention of ultrafine and fine particles in rats. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 1992; 6(5):535-42. More information available online: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_123.pdf. Accessed April 19,2022.

[32] Grassian VH, O’Shaughnessy PT, Adamcakova-Dodd A, Pettibone JM, Thorne PS. Inhalation exposure study of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with a primary particle size of 2 to 5 nm. Environmental health perspectives. 2007 Mar 1:397-402.

[33] Gurr JR, Wang AS, Chen CH, Jan KY. Ultrafine titanium dioxide particles in the absence of photoactivation can induce oxidative damage to human bronchial epithelial cells. Toxicology. 2005 Sep 15;213(1):66-73.

[34] Trouiller B, Reliene R, Westbrook A, Solaimani P, Schiestl RH. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce DNA damage and genetic instability in vivo in mice. Cancer research. 2009 Nov 15;69(22):8784-9.

[36] Schilling K, Bradford B, Castelli D, Dufour E, Nash JF, Pape W, Schulte S, Tooley I, van den Bosch J, Schellauf F. Human safety review of “nano” titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. 2010;9(4):495-509.

[37] Hussain SM, Hess KL, Gearhart JM, Geiss KT, Schlager JJ. In vitro toxicity of nanoparticles in BRL3A rat liver cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2005; 19(7): 975-983.

[38] McAuliffe ME, Perry MJ: Are nanoparticles potential male reproductive toxicants? A literature review. Nanotechnology 1:204-210, 2007.

[39] Xia T, Kovochich M, Brant J, Hotze M, Sempf J, Oberley T, Sioutas C, Yeh JI, Wiesner MF, Nel AE: Comparision of the abilities of ambient and manufactured nanoparticles to induce cellular toxicity according to an oxidative stress paradigm. Nano Lett. 8:1794-1807, 2006.

[40] European Commission. Opinion on safety of nanomaterials in cosmetic products. 2007. Available online: http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_123.pdf. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[41] Rouse JG, Yang J, Ryman-Rasmussen JP, Barron AR, Monteiro-Riviere NA. Effects of mechanical flexion on the penetration of fullerene amino acid-derivatized peptide nanoparticles through skin. Nano Lett 2007; 7(1):155-60.

[42] Miyata N, Yamakoshi Y, Nakanishi I. Reactive species responsible for biological actions of photoexited fullerenes. Yagaku Zasshi 2000;120: 1007-1016.

[43] Yamakoshi Y, Umezawa N, Ryu A, Arakane K, Miyata N, Goda Y, et al. Active oxygen species generated from photoexcited fullerene (C60) as potential medicines: O2-* versus 1O2. J Am Chem Soc 2003;125:12803-12809.

[44] Yamashita K, Yoshioka Y, Higashisaka K, Mimura K, Morishita Y, Nozaki M, Yoshida T, Ogura T, Nabeshi H, Nagano K, Abe Y. Silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles cause pregnancy complications in mice. Nature nanotechnology. 2011 May 1;6(5):321-8.

[45] Wang JJ, Sanderson BJS, Wang H. Cyto- and genotoxicity of ultrafine TiO2 particles in cultured human lymphoblastoid cells. Mutat Res 2007; 628: 99-106.

[46] Shukla A, Timblin C, BeruBe K, Gordon T, McKinney W, Driscoll K, et al.Inhaled particulate matter causes expression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-related genes and oxidant dependent NF-kappaB activation in vitro. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2000; 23: 182-187.

[47] Yamawaki H, Iwai N. Cytotoxicity of water-soluble fullerene in vascular endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2006; 290: C1495-C1502.

[48] Driscoll E, Deyo LC, Carter JM, Howard BW, Hassenbein G, Bertram TA. Effect of particle exposure and particle-elicited inflammatory cells on mutation in rat alveolar epithelial cells. Carcinogenesis 1997; 18: 423-430.

[49] FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nanotechnology. 2016. Available online: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ScienceResearch/Nanotech/default.htm. Accessed April 19, 2022.

[50] European Commission. Cosmetic products – specific topics: nanomaterials. Available online: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/cosmetics/products/nanomaterials_en. Accessed April 19, 2022.