Updated insights of active cosmetic ingredients against blue light: In vivo and in vitro evidence

The exponential increase in screen usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about higher exposure to blue light (BL) from electronic devices and raising concerns about its effects on skin health. BL significantly contributes to skin photoaging, which has aroused considerable interest among researchers due to its proximity in wavelength range to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Owing to this high exposure and considering the high dynamism of the dermocosmetic market, formulations started to appear directed to combat skin photoaging, stimulating the interest of consumers with marketing strategies and appealing claims. These formulations have the purpose of preventing skin photoaging through the use of UV filters, providing broad UV and BL protection; and incorporation of compounds with mainly antioxidant and photoprotective properties, that allow the mitigation of various damaging effects that can occur as a result of the formation of free radicals, mainly DNA damage, hyperpigmentation, and deregulation of the circadian rhythm. These substances present limitations in solubility and photostability, i.e. high susceptibility to degradation and, consequently, a higher risk of toxicity. To circumvent these issues and maximize the antioxidant potential of these components, nanodelivery systems offer multifunctional and targeted approaches that can significantly enhance their bioavailability, efficacy, and safety. Overall, this review explores the beneficial and adverse effects of BL on the skin, with a focus on the most recent in vivo and in vitro studies of active ingredients, and the application of nanodelivery systems to enhance its performance. The databases used for literature research were Pubmed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, while research on major patent innovations was made through notorious patent databases, such as Patentscope and Espacenet, through the period of 2019–2024. Additionally, this review addresses the sustainability challenges in the development of cosmetic ingredients, highlighting their importance for effective clinical translation and future research.