New York: Health watchdogs in the UK and US are calling for more research into the new “nano” anti-ageing creams.

The US’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK’s most prestigious scientific body, the Royal Society, want further research into the use of tiny “nano” particles in creams. Not enough is understood about their effects on the body, particularly whether they eventually slip into the blood stream.

Cosmetic manufacturers are using the nanotechnology to deliver the latest miracle anti-ageing nutrients deep into the skin where their effects are more effective in promoting skin renewal.

Cosmetic giant, L’Oréal recently launched Revitalift which the company says contains “nanosomes of Pro-Tetionol A” to give “an immediate lifting effect” with actress Andie MacDowell, fronting their global advertising and marketing campaign. And has launched new versions of Vichy Reti C and Biotherm Age Fitness Nuit, facial moisturisers. Other companies such as Estée Lauder and Johnson & Johnson are developing similar products.

But the effects of these particles in the body is not fully understood and both the FDA and Royal Society believe more research should be carried out.

The Royal Society said there were concerns that these particles may be carried further into the body and what the long-term effects of this were.

L’Oréal said that its nanotechnology research kept the company at the leading edge of developments so that it could bring the best products to its customers.