Advances in nanotechnology‐based hair care products applied to hair shaft and hair scalp disorders

• Published in: International journal of cosmetic science 2022-06, Vol.44 (3), p.320-332
• Main Authors: Santos, Júlia Scherer, Barradas, Thais Nogueira, Tavares, Guilherme Diniz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Controlled release; Cosmetics; Cyclodextrin; Cyclodextrins; Disorders; Hair; hair care; hair diseases; hair shaft; Inventions; Liposomes; nanocarriers; Nanoemulsions; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Patent applications; Patent searches; Scalp
• ISSN: 0142-5463; 1468-2494
• DOI: 10.1111/ics.12780

Objective Nanotechnology has been intensively applied to the development of novel cosmetic products for hair and scalp care during the last decades. Such a trend is corroborated by the fact that about 19% of the total nanocosmetics registered in the StatNano database are intended for hair and scalp care. Nanotechnology‐enabled formulations based on nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, liposomes and nanoemulsions have emerged as novel approaches due to chemical stability and their controlled release. Regarding hair care formulations, nanocarriers can target the hair shaft, hair follicle and scalp. Therefore, they have been used to treat several hair disorders, including dandruff and other hair‐damaging conditions. Methods This review addressed the most important nanocarriers applied to hair‐related disorders improvement. Furthermore, the application for hair photoprotection and improvement of hair colour duration by nanotechnological formulations is also approached. Besides, we provided an overview of the current scenario of available nano‐based commercial hair products and novel patented inventions. Results From the patent search, the Patent Cooperation Treaty was pointed as the most important depositing agency while the United States of America has been the most depositing country. On the contrary, according to the StatNano database, Brazil stands out in the hair care worldwide market, and it is also the main producer of hair cosmetics based on nanotechnology. Conclusion As nano‐based products offer several advantages over conventional cosmetics, it is expected that in future, there will be more research on nanocarriers applied to hair disorders, as well as commercial products and patent applications. Résumé Au cours des dernières décennies, les nanotechnologies ont été intensivement appliquées au développement de nouveaux produits cosmétiques pour le soin des cheveux et du cuir chevelu. Cette tendance est corroborée par le fait qu'environ 19% du nombre total de nano‐cosmétiques enregistrés dans la base de données StatNano sont destinés à la fois aux soins des cheveux et du cuir chevelu. Les formulations basées sur les nanoparticules, les cyclodextrines, les liposomes et les nano‐émulsions sont devenues de nouvelles approches grâce à l'amélioration de la stabilité chimique des médicaments et des ingrédients actifs cosmétiques et à leur libération contrôlée. En ce qui concerne les formulations de soins capillaires, les nanocarriers peuvent cibler le follicule pil