Mapping the evolution and impact of carbon nanomaterials for epidermal care: A bibliometric analysis

• This bibliometric study mapped 1175 publications on carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in epidermal care during (2010–2024) • Graphene, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes are dominant platforms for epidermal care • China (19.4 %), India (11.4 %), and the USA (7.6 %) are most productive countries • Chemistry (18.1 %), materials science (14.2 %) and Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (12.4 %) are the dominant subject areas Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been widely employed in areas such as, but not limited to, biomedical applications like drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, and epidermal care. This bibliometric study is one of the preliminary attempts, focusing on performance analysis such as publication growth, citation trends, leading authors, journals, institutions, countries, and highly cited papers with science mapping like collaboration networks, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence, complemented by thematic evaluation and trending topics and global collaboration patterns of CNMs in epidermal care and maintenance. Herein, we have performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1175 Scopus-indexed journal articles published during 2010–2024 using Bibliometrix (RStudio) and VOSviewer. Results reveal a sharp rise in the number of publications after 2020, with a significant contribution from chemistry (18.1%), materials science (14.2%), and Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (12.4%). China (19.4%), India (11.4%), and the USA (7.6%) dominate in publication volume, while Saudi Arabia (total link strength 104) demonstrates a strong international collaboration. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic mapping highlight emerging priorities in graphene-based materials, transdermal delivery systems, biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and wound healing. Further, research gaps such as toxicity assessment, sustainable synthesis, and clinical translation have been identified. This study will be helpful for researchers, formulators, and policymakers in advancing safe, effective, and environmentally responsible nano cosmetic and nanocosmeceuticals.