Abstract
In recent decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology have played a revolutionary role in
the therapeutic domain. Manipulation of atoms and molecules at the nanometric scale endows biomaterials
with specific physicochemical properties. Skin being the largest organ of the human body
and an extensively exploited route for drug delivery, is one of the primary sites for exposure to
nanoparticulate matter. Skin care products and cosmetics also constitute a major source of exposure
to metallic nanoparticles. Metallic nanoparticles are widely used for therapeutic, diagnostic
and cosmetic purposes. The potential risks associated with their use in modern medicine are a subject
of extensive research. The present article aims to discuss the toxicity concerns associated with
the use of metallic nanoparticles in dermatological products, and provide an overview of their in
vitro and in vivo methods of nanotoxicity assessment, as per OECD guidelines. It also presents a
concise account of the lacunae in the existing guideline, which need to be addressed in order to
adapt the prescribed tests to the testing of nanoparticles. The review also gives an insight into the
gaps in the in vitro, in vivo correlation of data furnished by various research groups. It provides a
glimpse of important regulatory aspects applicable to the evaluation of topically applied nanoparticulate
systems. In the end, it discusses the challenges and future perspectives in order to strengthen
the scientific investigations in this domain.
Keywords:
Nanocosmetics, OECD guidelines, skin targeting, nanotoxicity, risk assessment, regulatory status.
Graphical Abstract
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