A new systematic review evaluates the current and potential application of Quality by Design (QbD) in the development of nanocosmetics and cosmeceuticals.
Following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the researchers selected 52 original research articles that simultaneously address QbD principles, nanotechnology, and cosmetic applications. The review excluded studies focused solely on toxicology, analytical methods, or marketing. The selected articles were analyzed to identify and categorize key parameters across the product lifecycle.
Among Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), particle size was reported in 94.2% of the articles, followed by polydispersity index (PDI) at 76.9% and zeta potential at 75%. For Critical Material Attributes (CMAs), surfactant concentration or type dominated, appearing in 46.1% of the studies. Regarding Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), sonication time was the most frequently cited, at 15.4%.
The use of Design of Experiments (DoE) is highlighted as an essential statistical tool for optimizing multifactorial interactions. However, the review also points out that advanced process control strategies—such as Process Analytical Technology (PAT), continuous manufacturing (CM), and real-time release testing (RTRT)—remain largely underexplored in nanocosmetic development.
The authors conclude that while QbD adoption in this field is still evolving, its systematic application—combined with emerging manufacturing technologies—can effectively bridge the gap between laboratory-scale innovation and industrial-scale production. This approach ultimately enables safer, more effective, and consumer-driven nanocosmetic products.
Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
Observational study
Not applicable
Quality by Design in nanotechnology applied to cosmetics: A systematic review from conception to production
31-Mar-2026