Lyophilized vitamins@P25TiO2NPs were obtained through the described methods with excellent reproducibility and yield: over 99% of initial P25TiO2NPs were functionalized.
Both P25TiO2NPs (with or without vitamin B2) were not found beyond the epidermis in 99% of the analyzed TEM images (Fig. 8). This is coherent with previous findings showing that nanoparticles greater than 50 nm can not penetrate the skin, even in vivo models with movement, stretching, and friction [54]. However, in one of the zones, a few nanoparticles were observed inside a hair follicle. This could be due to the follicle exposure after the localized rupture of this physical barrier when rats were shaved in order to clean the area for cream topical administration. This finding suggests that nanoparticle-based sunscreen should not be applied on recently shaved or harmed skin, in order to avoid nanoparticle skin penetration.
2. Cosmetics With its UV-filtering properties, anatase TiO2 is a popular ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetic formulations. Its ability to scatter UV radiation effectively protects the skin from harmful sun exposure, contributing to the increasing popularity of natural and mineral makeup products.