Nanocellulose Properties and Potential Application in Cosmetics

As beneficial and biocompatible materials for use on the skin, such as in skincare, cosmetics, and medical devices, nanocelluloses have rapidly advanced. The primary source of nanocelluloses is lignocellulosic material. They are generally produced using three main methods: hydrolysis, TEMPO-oxidized, and mechanical treatment. The three methods produce nanocellulose with different characteristics. As a greener alternative to traditional biopolymers, nanocelluloses have lately been included in skincare and cosmetics. In cosmetics, nanocellulose acts as UV protection, whitening agents, and natural products, plays a role in healing wounds, and is an adsorbent in face masks. Because of their biocompatibility, large surface area, and mechanical strength, nanocelluloses hold promise as sustainable nanomaterials that perform better for skincare formulations. Nanocellulose’s safety in cosmetics is a crucial issue that needs to be researched constantly. Before being used in the development of commercial products, the risk or possible harm to human and environmental health must be thoroughly assessed. In addition to daily doses, nutritional profiles, safe ingredients, calories per serving, and product expiration dates, modern consumers require safety information about their products. The complete life cycle risk assessment is thus a crucial step before selling products made of nanocellulose. Nanocellulose does not have any adverse effects. The actual dose, physical characteristics, and exposure circumstances are the limiting elements for the hazardous potential of nanocellulose.