Applications of Natural, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Polymers in Cosmetic Formulations
Thais F. R. Alves,
Margreet Morsink,
Fernando Batain,
Marco V. Chaud,
Taline Almeida,
Dayane A. Fernandes,
Classius F. da Silva,
Eliana B. Souto,
Patricia Severino
Affiliations
Thais F. R. Alves
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology, University of Sorocaba–UNISO, Sorocaba, 18023-000 São Paulo, Brazil
Margreet Morsink
Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women& Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Fernando Batain
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology, University of Sorocaba–UNISO, Sorocaba, 18023-000 São Paulo, Brazil
Marco V. Chaud
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology, University of Sorocaba–UNISO, Sorocaba, 18023-000 São Paulo, Brazil
Taline Almeida
University of Tiradentes (Unit), Biotechnological Postgraduate Program. Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, 49010-390 Aracaju, Brazil
Dayane A. Fernandes
Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Biotechnology and Natural Products, Federal University of São Paulo, 09913-030 Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
Classius F. da Silva
Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Biotechnology and Natural Products, Federal University of São Paulo, 09913-030 Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
Eliana B. Souto
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Patricia Severino
Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women& Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Cosmetics composed of synthetic and/or semi-synthetic polymers, associated or not with natural polymers, exhibit a dashing design, with thermal and chemo-sensitive properties. Cosmetic polymers are also used for the preparation of nanoparticles for the delivery of, e.g., fragrances, with the purpose to modify their release profile and also reducing the risk of evaporation. Besides, other cosmetically active nutrients, dermal permeation enhancers, have also been loaded into nanoparticles to improve their bioactivities on the skin. The use of natural polymers in cosmetic formulations is of particular relevance because of their biocompatible, safe, and eco-friendly character. These formulations are highly attractive and marketable to consumers, and are suitable for a plethora of applications, including make-up, skin, and hair care, and as modifiers and stabilizers. In this review, natural synthetic, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers are discussed considering their properties for cosmetic applications. Their uses in conventional and novel formulations are also presented.
