ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology comprises technological developments on the nanometer scale, usually 0.1-100nm.
Nanoemulsions have recently become increasingly important as potential vehicles for the controlled
delivery of cosmetics and for the optimized dispersion of active ingredients in particular skin layers. Due to
their lipophilic interior, Nanoemulsions are more suitable for the transport of lipophilic compounds than
liposomes. Similar to liposomes, they support the skin penetration of active ingredients and thus increase
their concentration in the skin. Another advantage is the small-sized droplet with its high surface area
allowing effective transport of the active to the skin. Furthermore, nanoemulsions gain increasing interest
due to their own bioactive effects. This may reduce the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating that
the barrier function of the skin is strenghthened. Nanoemulsions are acceptable in cosmetics because there
is no inherent creaming, sedimentation, flocculation, or coalescence that is observed with macroemulsions.
Oil-in-water emulsions (O/W emulsions) play an important role in cosmetics: they are fundamental in the
formulation of such products as body lotions, skin creams and sunscreens. A relatively recent but fast
growing field of application is NanoGel systems and Emulsion-based wet wipes, nanoemulsions that are
free from emulsifiers based on polyethylene glycol (PEG). Such blends are highly attractive in the growing
market for impregnating emulsions for moisturized tissue. It is relatively recent but fast growing field of
application: emulsion-based wet wipes for such applications as baby care and make-up removal.