Next-Generation Molecules and Smart Delivery Systems for Skin Health and Wellness

A special issue of Cosmetics (ISSN 2079-9284). This special issue belongs to the section "Cosmetic Dermatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 May 2026) | Viewed by 1924

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Excellence of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: cosmetics; transdermal absorption; nutricosmetics; skin analysis; analytical chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: drug delivery; technology; nanoparticles; smart delivery systems; nanocarriers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The future of skin health lies at the intersection of groundbreaking chemistry and innovative delivery technologies. This Special Issue explores the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of novel bioactive molecules—either newly designed or never before explored for topical applications—that have the potential to transform skincare, dermatology, and regenerative treatments. Equally important, we spotlight cutting-edge delivery systems, from nanocarriers and vesicular platforms to stimuli-responsive formulations, designed to enhance the stability, penetration, and targeted release of active compounds. By pushing the boundaries of molecular innovation and formulation science, this Issue aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications. We welcome contributions from chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, dermatologists, and material engineers eager to redefine the future of skin care and wellness.

Dr. Ritamaria Di Lorenzo
Dr. Teresa Silvestri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cosmetics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • skin health
  • molecular design for skin health
  • functionalized molecules for skincare
  • next-generation cosmeceuticals
  • skin-targeted small molecules
  • green chemistry in cosmetic synthesis
  • hybrid molecules for dermal application
  • smart polymers for skin delivery
  • synthetic peptides for skin regeneration
  • biotechnologically derived actives
  • smart delivery systems
  • nanocarriers
  • controlled release
  • sustainable skincare technologies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 1456 KB  
Article
Harnessing miRNA Milk-Derived Exosomes for Hair Loss Disorders: In Vitro Modulation of WNT Signaling and Dermal Papilla Proliferation
by Daniela Pinto, Giorgia Mondadori, Monica Cozzi, Piero Tesauro, Martin Hintersteiner, Raúl López Domínguez, Esperanza de Santiago Rodríguez, Giammaria Giuliani and Fabio Rinaldi
Cosmetics 2026, 13(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13010038 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE) are common hair loss disorders characterized by dysregulated hair follicle cycling and impaired dermal papilla cell function. Emerging evidence indicates that exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication, largely through their microRNA (miRNA) cargo. Milk-derived exosomes [...] Read more.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE) are common hair loss disorders characterized by dysregulated hair follicle cycling and impaired dermal papilla cell function. Emerging evidence indicates that exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication, largely through their microRNA (miRNA) cargo. Milk-derived exosomes (Mi-Exos) represent an accessible and biologically active source of regulatory miRNAs with potential relevance for hair disorders. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of bovine milk-derived exosomes (MEV-miRNAs) on human hair follicles. MEV-miRNAs were enriched in miRNA families (Let-7, miR-21, miR-30, miR-200, and miR-148/152) previously implicated in hair follicle regulation. Viability/metabolic activity of hair follicle dermal papilla (HFDP) cells was assessed, and human hair follicles were cultured ex vivo to measure shaft elongation and modulation of the WNT signaling pathway by qRT-PCR. MEV-miRNAs significantly increased HFDP cell viability after 24 h compared with controls. Human hair follicles showed a non-significant trend toward increased elongation following treatment. Gene expression analysis revealed significant up-regulation of key WNT pathway components, including WNT2, WNT5B, WNT10A, WNT11, MMP7, WISP1, and NKD1, indicating modulation of WNT-associated pathways implicated in hair follicle growth and cycling. Overall, MEV-miRNAs exhibit positive modulatory effects on signaling pathways, supporting their potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for AGA and TE. Full article
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