Health hazards of nanoparticles: understanding the toxicity mechanism of nanosized ZnO in cosmetic products

Abstract

In recent years, nanoparticles are being used extensively in personal healthcare products such as cosmetics, sunscreens, soaps, and shampoos. Particularly, metal oxide nanoparticles are gaining competence as key industrial constituents, progressing toward a remarkable rise in their applications. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles are the most commonly employed metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens, ointments, foot care, and over the counter topical products. Dermal exposure to these metal oxides predominantly occurs through explicit use of cosmetic products and airway exposure to nanoparticle dusts is primarily mediated via occupational exposure. There is a compelling need to understand the toxicity effects of nanoparticles which can easily enter the cells and induce oxidative stress. Consequently, these products have become a direct source of pollution in the environment and thereby greatly impact our ecosystem. A complete understanding of the toxicity mechanism of nano-ZnO is intended to resolve whether and to what extent such nanoparticles may pose a threat to the environment and to human beings. In this review article, we have discussed the characteristics of metal oxide nanoparticles and its applications in the cosmetic industry. We have also highlighted about their toxicity effects and their impact on human health.

Keywords:

• Metal oxide nanoparticles
• ROS generation
• oxidative stress
• cell death
• ZnO nanoparticles
• toxicity

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chennai, India and Linkoping University, Sweden for the support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was partially financially supported by fellowship grants to S. Vimala Devi from Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai-603103, India.