Abstract
The use of gold as a cosmetic and medicinal ingredient has a long history that is still developing. Their introduction into use was based on observing the body’s reaction after treatment with these metals, today their action is based on modern, wide-scale scientific research. Scientific literature presents gold as having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging properties, but its metabolic functions are still under investigation. The development of technology has led to the production of Au in the form of nanoparticles, which results in their greater efficiency compared to standard forms and new applications. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of cosmetic and medicinal products containing gold available on the Polish market. In addition, an attempt was made to find an answer to the question what forms of gold are most often used by producers of cosmetics and medicinal products. In the period from September 2023 to February 2024, information was collected on cosmetic and medicinal products containing gold available on the Polish market. Information was obtained on 61 cosmetic products containing gold and 10 medicinal products containing gold.
Conclusions Gold is more often an ingredient of cosmetic products than medicinal products. Medicinal and cosmetic products with gold most often contain it in the form of nanoparticles.