Project Beauty’s Audrey Hasson reports on nanotechnology, which has led to a number of breakthroughs in the cosmetic industry, but with increasing concern about the safety of using nano-sized particles in cosmetic products.

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials and the creation of structures and systems that exist at the scale of atoms and molecules. This is seriously tiny stuff: a human hair is about 80,000 nanometers in diameter.

Research suggests that nanoparticles have entered just about every personal care product on the market, including deodorant, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, hair conditioner, sunscreen, anti-wrinkle cream, moisturizer, foundation, face powder, lipstick, blush, eye shadow, nail polish, perfume and after-shave lotion. As the particles are smaller than the cells on our skin, it is possible that nanoparticles can pass through the skins surface. Such possibility brings both potential benefits and potential risks.

The FDA is currently looking into the effects that nanotechnology may have, as currently there are no requirements for either testing or labeling these products to make sure consumers are both safe and informed. Project Beauty will update you as we learn more.

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