The company describes the development as ‘ground breaking’ due to the healing and protective properties of the gold, of which it refers to as 'Colloidal' or Nano Gold.
“Alchemists are the predecessors of modern day scientists, we have completely redefined the boundaries of skin care formulas so that together, these ingredients keep skin looking youthful by actively reducing and repairing the signs of aging.”
According to Oro, the new foundation features sub-micrometer particles of gold suspended throughout the mousse as their microscopic size allows them to penetrate deep into the skin, repairing damaged skin cells and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as it goes.
Gold nanoparticles are also being looked at by hair care formulators after a recent discovery found flowing locks of golden hair could be derived from a permanent hair dye option on the back of scientists reporting the first synthesis of gold nanoparticles inside human hairs.
While other rocks such as diamonds are also being utilised in a new way in skin care due to their properties of boosting collagen supply.
The benefits of gold in cosmetics has come into question of late
A research team from Stony Brook University in New York recently published research suggesting that pure gold nanoparticles used in a range of personal care products could lead to accelerated aging and wrinkling, as well as slowing in wound healing.
The researchers, led by Tatsiana Mironava, a visiting assistant professor at Stony Brook, detail their research, "Gold nanoparticles cellular toxicity and recovery: Adipose Derived Stromal cells," in the journal Nanotoxicology.
Together with co-author Dr Marcia Simon, the researchers tested the impact of nanoparticles in vitro on multiple types of cells, including fat tissue, to determine whether their basic functions were disrupted when exposed to very low doses of nanoparticles.
Of which, they commented the most disturbing finding was that the particles interfered with genetic regulation, RNA expression and inhibited the ability to differentiate into mature adipocytes or fat cells.
"Reductions caused by gold nanoparticles can result in systemic changes to the body," said Mironava back in April. "Since they have been considered inert and essentially harmless, it was assumed that pure gold nanoparticles would also be safe. Evidence to the contrary is beginning to emerge."