A Review on the Synthesis, Formation Mechanisms, Antimicrobial Activities, and Toxicities of Phytochemical-Mediated Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Incorporation in Acne-Related Cosmetic Products

In recent years, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been considered a potent antibacterial agent against a wide array of bacteria, offering various advantages over conventional antibacterial agents, especially those biosynthesized using phytochemicals. The reaction parameters, such as pH, temperature, concentrations of extract and precursor, affect the formation and biological activities of AgNPs. These AgNPs stand out due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and potent antibacterial activities owing to the synergistic effect between the phytocompounds and the nanostructure. Consequently, phytochemically mediated biosynthesized AgNPs can serve as a mild alternative to conventional preservatives in acne-related cosmetic products. This review places heavy emphasis on the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, cytotoxicity, safety, and regulatory aspects of AgNPs to provide a deeper understanding of their safety concerns in antimicrobial and preservative applications for acne-related cosmetic products.