Nanoemulsions containing plant oils: How do they influence hair treatment?

Overview of Nanocosmetics with Emphasis on those Incorporating Natural Extracts

The cosmetic industry is rapidly rising worldwide. To overcome certain deficiencies of conventional cosmetics, nanomaterials have been introduced to formulations of nails, lips, hair, and skin for treating/alleviating hyperpigmentation, hair loss, acne, dandruff, wrinkles, photoaging, etc. Innovative nanocarrier materials applied in the cosmetic sector for carrying the active ingredients include niosomes, fullerenes, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, and nanoemulsions. These exhibit several advantages, such as elevated stability, augmented skin penetration, specific site targeting, and sustained release of active contents. Nevertheless, continuous exposure to nanomaterials in cosmetics may pose some health hazards. This review features the different new nanocarriers applied for delivering cosmetics, their positive impacts and shortcomings, currently marketed nanocosmetic formulations, and their possible toxic effects. The role of natural ingredients, including vegetable oils, seed oils, essential oils, fats, and plant extracts, in the formulation of nanocosmetics is also reviewed. This review also discusses the current trend of green cosmetics and cosmetic regulations in selected countries.

Engineered Dutasteride-Lipid Based Nanoparticle (DST-LNP) System Using Oleic and Stearic Acid for Topical Delivery

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a common condition that has a negative impact on the psycho-social health of many men. This study aims to engineer an alcohol-free formulation to cater for individuals who may have had allergic reactions to alcohol-based preparations. A lipid-based nanoparticle system composed of stearic and oleic acid (solid and liquid lipid) was used to deliver dutasteride (DST) for topical application. Two compositions, with oleic acid (Formulation A) and without (Formulation B), were compared to analyse the role of oleic acid as a potential active ingredient in addition to DST. DST-loaded LNP were prepared using the emulsification–ultrasonication method. All of the prepared formulations were spherical in shape in the nanometric size range (150–300 nm), with entrapment efficiencies of >75%. X-ray diffractograms revealed that DST exists in an amorphous form within the NLP matrices. The drug release behaviour from both LNP preparations displayed slow release of DST. Permeation studies through pig ear skin demonstrated that DST-LNP with oleic acid produced significantly lower permeation into the dermis compared to the formulation without oleic acid. These results suggest that the proposed formulation presents several characteristics which are novel, indicating its suitability for the dermal delivery of anti-androgenic molecules.