Title:Use of Lipid Nanoparticles, Nanoemulsions, and Vesicles for Topical Delivery
of Active Compounds Employed in the Cosmetic Field
Volume: 1
Author(s): Giovanna C. Salata, Alexsandra C. Apolinário, Julia S. Passos and Luciana B. Lopes*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1524, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
Keywords:
Topical delivery, skin penetration, lipid nanoparticles, ethosomes, niosomes, nanoemulsion.
Abstract: In the past decades, nanocarriers have attracted attention as topical delivery systems for
many compounds employed in the cosmetic field. This interest is justified by their ability to provide
protection against degradation of liable molecules, the possibility to originate a local depot
and prolong drug release, and the ability to overcome the barrier function of the skin and coencapsulation
of compounds of varying physicochemical characteristics. The properties of
nanocarriers vary with their composition and structure, which, in turn, influence the outcomes of
topical treatment. In this review, we focused on three types of nanocarriers (namely, lipid and
surfactant-based vesicles, nanoemulsions, and lipid nanoparticles) and discussed their main characteristics,
influence on cutaneous transport, stability, and pharmacological effects employed in
the cosmetic field. We also provided examples of commercially available products that utilize the
nanocarriers discussed as well as patents relevant to this field.
