Next-Generation Carbon-Based Quantum Dots for Healthcare and Beauty Applications

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted intense research interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad application potential. CQDs are a new class of ultrasmall fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (<10 nm) that exhibit bright photoluminescence, broad excitation spectra, high quantum yields (QYs), and excellent photostability. Structurally, they consist of graphitic sp²/sp³-hybridized carbon with amorphous or nanocrystalline cores. Unlike conventional semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), which often contain toxic group II-VI, III-VI, or IV-VI elements, CQDs offer a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for biomedical and cosmetic applications. This review summarizes recent advances in green-chemistry approaches for CQD synthesis, including top-down, bottom-up, waste-derived, and surface-functionalization methods. Particular attention is given to natural carbon sources, which provide low-cost, sustainable, and eco-friendly routes for scalable production. The optical, electronic, and toxicological properties of CQDs are discussed to clarify their performance and safety profiles. Special emphasis is placed on their emerging roles in wound healing and cosmetic formulations, which remain underexplored despite their promising potential. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review focusing on the current progress, key challenges, and future perspectives of CQDs in beauty and personal care applications.