Innovative Vesicular Systems and Natural Extracts for Targeted Drug Delivery, Cosmetics, and Skin Therapeutics

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 1415

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: skin delivery; nanosystems; liposomes; nanoparticles; controlled release; antioxidants; antiage; natural drugs; phyoextracts; phytocomplex
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The design of advanced vesicular systems is driving innovation in both therapeutic and cosmeceutical applications to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of bioactive compounds. This Special Issue focuses on innovative vesicular carriers, including liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and exosomes, which offer significant advantages for targeted drug delivery and cosmeceutical applications. Exosomes, as natural extracellular vesicles with high cell affinity, are particularly promising due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and efficient cellular uptake, making them suitable for both therapeutic interventions and skin care formulations. The main focus of this issue is the incorporation of natural extracts and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and peptides into these advanced vesicular systems. Derived from plants, algae, and marine sources, these natural compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties that are essential for medical and anti-aging applications. However, their low stability and bioavailability often limit their direct use. When encapsulated in vesicular carriers, such as exosomes and liposomes, these compounds are protected and optimized for controlled and targeted release, enhancing their therapeutic efficacy and potential for skin penetration, crucial for cosmeceutical use. In this issue, we invite authors to submit studies that explore the design of novel vesicular systems for the encapsulation of natural compounds and demonstrate their efficacy in dermatological and skin care applications in both experimental and clinical studies. Studies and comprehensive reviews of recent advances in the field of exosomes as bioactive compound carriers for cellular regeneration and skin rejuvenation are encouraged. This Special Issue aims to be a resource for researchers in the development of sustainable and targeted therapeutic and cosmeceutical solutions, promoting a multidisciplinary approach which integrates nanotechnology with natural resources to further personalized and science-based treatments.

Dr. Ines Castangia
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • vesicular drug delivery systems
  • exosomes in cosmeceuticals
  • natural bioactive compounds
  • targeted therapeutic efficacy
  • skin regeneration
  • anti-aging
  • vesicular systems

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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8 pages, 1112 KiB  
Case Report
Successful Treatment of Hair Loss and Restoration of Natural Hair Color in Patient with Alopecia Areata Due to Psychological Disorder Using Exosomes: Case Report with 6-Month Follow-Up
by Emanuel Barbosa Bento, Cláudia Matos and Howard Lopes Ribeiro Junior
Cosmetics 2025, 12(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12030097 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 1161
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss, which is often triggered by psychological stress. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunotherapy, show variable efficacy and can cause side effects like hair discoloration. Exosome therapy, utilizing extracellular vesicles, presents a [...] Read more.
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss, which is often triggered by psychological stress. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunotherapy, show variable efficacy and can cause side effects like hair discoloration. Exosome therapy, utilizing extracellular vesicles, presents a promising alternative, though its use in stress-related AA remains underexplored. A 39-year-old male with unifocal AA on the right parietal scalp developed hair loss following emotional distress after his fiancée’s death. Methotrexate and prednisolone were ineffective, prompting a bioregenerative approach using rose stem cell-derived exosomes (RSCEs) combined with thulium laser therapy. Six monthly sessions of RSCEs (20 mg/vial, 10 billion exosomes) were administered, with laser pre-treatment enhancing absorption. Within one month, vellus hair regrowth appeared, progressing to an increased density and pigmentation at three months. By six months, complete regrowth and natural pigmentation were achieved, with reduced inflammation confirmed by trichoscopy. The therapy was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects. This case highlights RSCE therapy as a promising treatment for stress-induced AA, achieving significant regrowth without corticosteroid-related side effects. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and refine protocols for broader clinical applications. Full article
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