Week 8 Blog: Nanotechnology and Art

This week, we learned about nanotech and art, where the use of nanoparticles are used to create art. One thing that stood out to me was the use of nano particles to create cosmetics (Gimzewski). This is a very interesting phenomenon to me as these nano particles could potentially create a healthier version of cosmetics today, revolutionizing our present day cosmetics. 


Fig. 1: Loreal cosmetics

There has been an ongoing topic about carcinogens in our daily life products including cosmetics. Although cosmetics are tested and go through an approval by the FDA, it only tests for short-term effects rather than long-term effects including cancer (“Cosmetics and Cancer Risk”). A carcinogen is defined as “a substance or agent causing cancer” from the Merriam-Webster dictionary (“Carcinogen”). Some carcinogens found in cosmetics include formaldehyde, Phenacetin, Coal Tar, and Benzene (Safe Cosmetics). 

Fig. 2: List of Carcinogenic ingredients to avoid

This makes the discovery of nanotechnology in cosmetics revolutionary, as it eliminates the risk of carcinogens with a more useful formulation (Gupta  et al.). It is interesting to see how nanotechnology could in turn affect art and how it is created. The formulations may even improve how it looks on the skin, causing a different type of art form to emerge with different textures and ways of application. Bridging the gap between nanotechnology and art will be useful for our future, especially when it comes to our health.

Fig. 3: Various nanomaterials used in cosmetics


Work Cited

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 10 May 2024, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen.

“Cosmetics and Cancer Risk.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/cosmetics.html.

Gupta, Vaibhav, et al. “Nanotechnology in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals—A Review of Latest Advancements.” Gels, vol. 8, no. 3, Mar. 2022, p. 173, doi:10.3390/gels8030173.

Safe Cosmetics. “Carcinogens in Cosmetics - Safe Cosmetics.” Safe Cosmetics, 26 Apr. 2022, www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/known-carcinogens.

Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotech for Artists Part 4 - Dr. Gimzewski”

Image Citations

Javaid, Ayesha, et al. “Multifunctional Attributes of Nanostructured Materials, Toxicology, Safety Considerations, and Regulations.” Journal of Materials Science, vol. 57, no. 36, Sept. 2022, pp. 17021–51, doi:10.1007/s10853-022-07679-7.

Makeupsessions. “L'Oreal True Match Lumi Collection - Makeup-Sessions.” Makeup-Sessions, 6 Mar. 2018, makeup-sessions.com/beauty/loreal-true-match-lumi-collection.

Sanghvi, Akanksha Shah. “14 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics and Beauty Products.” eMediHealth, 25 Apr. 2022, www.emedihealth.com/skin-beauty/toxic-skin-care-ingredients.

Comments

  1. LauraMay 25, 2024 at 6:49 PM

    Hi Gillian–great post! I love your positive outlook on nanotechnology making safer products that are not carcinogenic. I was thinking that the nanotechnology products were the ones that were carcinogenic, but you're right–they can potentially be safer than products we have been using so far.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yewon LeeJune 2, 2024 at 11:52 PM

    Hello Gillian,
    The potential to eliminate harmful carcinogens in daily-use items is a significant leap forward for both health and beauty. I want to see how these advancements inspire new forms of artistic expression with science in innovative ways.

    ReplyDelete

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