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.

Evaluation of the Genotoxic and Oxidative Damage Potential of Silver Nanoparticles in Human NCM460 and HCT116 Cells

“…In recent years, research on the biological safety of nanoparticles has become a hot topic. The cytotoxicity of many nanoparticles related to food, cosmetics and medicine, such as Ag, TiO 2 and ZnO [24][25][26], has been studied. Studies have shown that Ag NPs can induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human cells [27].…”

The Current Understanding of Autophagy in Nanomaterial Toxicity and Its Implementation in Safety Assessment-Related Alternative Testing Strategies

“…In the cosmetics industry, ZnONPs are present in daily supplies, such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, deodorants, sunscreens, and skin care products, and makeup, in general, to function as antibacterial agents, UV-filters, and pigments and for deeper skin penetration, anti-wrinkling, or moisturizing [128][129][130]. For example, sunscreens containing ZnONPs and TiO 2 NPs are effective barriers against ultraviolet light (UV-light) damage to skin and do not leave white or other residues on the skin [131,132].…”

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Autophagy and Apoptosis via Oxidative Injury and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Primary Astrocyte Cultures

“…Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been widely used for medicinal purposes, such as photodynamic therapy [1] and piezoelectric nanomaterials for biomedical applications [2,3,4], various consumer products such as cosmetics and food additives, and industrial materials such as plastics, paints, and ceramics [5,6]. However, concerns of their potential toxicity in terms of environmental safety and human health problems have increased alongside the use of these nanoparticles [5,6,7]. Although ZnO NPs have some positive medical applications due to their antibacterial and anticancer effects, brain injury may occur at any time in both human and non-human biological systems because these nanoparticles can break down the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or be uptaken via olfactory sensory neurons in the nose following prolonged exposure or overdose [8,9,10].…”