Polymer science

Engineering

Business

Biotechnology

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Biochemical engineering

Chemistry

Materials science

Cosmetics

Chitosan

Skin care

Cosmeceutical

Ingredient

Chitin

Cosmeceuticals

Food science

Active ingredient

Medicine

Biology

Pharmacology

Polymers

Marine resources are well recognized for their biologically active substances with great potential applications in the cosmeceutical industry. Among the different compounds with a marine origin, chitin and its deacetylated derivative-chitosan-are of great interest to the cosmeceutical industry due to their unique biological and technological properties. In this review, we explore the different functional roles of chitosan as a skin care and hair care ingredient, as an oral hygiene agent and as a carrier for active compounds, among others. The importance of the physico-chemical properties of the polymer in its use in cosmetics are particularly highlighted. Moreover, we analyse the market perspectives of this polymer and the presence in the market of chitosan-based products.

Cosmetics and Cosmeceutical Applications of Chitin, Chitosan and Their Derivatives