Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used by cosmetic companies to create creams and lotions. Gold nanoparticles have been used in the past for pharmaceutical and medical uses, but only recently have cosmetic brands sought patents for gold nanoparticles to use them for cosmetic formulation.
Research conducted by Tatsiana Mironava, PhD, from Stony Brook University concluded that the size, concentration and frequency of application plays a major part in determining if the material is toxic. Research studies are being conducted to find out the benefits of using gold nanoparticles in cosmetic products and creams. Some of the products that claim to use gold in their formulations include the L'Oreal L'Core Paris 24k Collection. Recent studies have concluded that gold is inert and safe for internal medicine, but there is still ongoing research as to the effects of gold when applied for other purposes in the body.[1]