In Vitro Skin Models for Skin Function Assessment: Applications in Cosmetics and Dermocosmetics

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 5237

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spiridonos Str. Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: in vitro bioactivity; bioactive compounds; natural compounds; biochemistry; in vitro skin models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
2. Department of Bioengineering, Institut Quimic de Sarria, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: biomaterials; adhesive hydrogels; drug delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The skin is one of the most complex organs, serving numerous tasks ranging from physical barrier to immunological modulation. Over the years, investigative and experimental dermatology has developed a variety of methodologies, from the use of ex vivo skin tissues to the creation of reconstructed in vitro and in silico skin models for use in both fundamental and translational skin research. These models have a high promise for increasing the significance of scientific and therapeutic outcomes while reducing animal experimentation. Nonetheless, current research indicates that it is challenging to simulate all skin functions in vitro. On the other hand, cosmetic industries are increasingly integrating scientific approaches with the aim to develop effective products not only to beautify but also cure the skin.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent scientific works based on reconstructed in vitro or in silico skin models to decipher skin function under different conditions (disease state or not). The in vitro 3D skin models, cell-based methodologies or multidimension skin models are highly recommended for this purpose. Moreover, works based on the efficacy of dermocosmetics using 2D, 3D or cell-based in vitro approaches are welcomed. Approaches based on the technology of cosmetic formulations, as well as approaches to regulatory issues regarding the use of skin models may also be considered. Comparative studies between in vitro and in vivo approaches for any skin function will also be considered.

Different types of articles such research articles, brief reports, opinion articles, reviews and systematic revies will be considered in this Special Issue

Dr. Sophia Letsiou
Dr. Nuria Oliva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • in vitro skin models
  • dermocosmetics
  • reconstructed 3D skin models
  • cosmetic formulations

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 8527 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study Between Nanoemulsions and Conventional Emulsions as Carriers of Plant Oils: Formulation Approach, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro and In Vivo Assessments for Skin Care Application
by Angeliki Liakopoulou, Sophia Letsiou, Konstantinos Avgoustakis and Sophia Hatziantoniou
Cosmetics 2025, 12(3), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12030102 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 240
Abstract
This study aims to compare nanoemulsions and conventional emulsions as delivery systems for plant oils. For this reason, the formulation approach was evaluated, followed by an assessment of physicochemical properties and stability. Six different compositions of emulsions and their respective nanoemulsions were prepared [...] Read more.
This study aims to compare nanoemulsions and conventional emulsions as delivery systems for plant oils. For this reason, the formulation approach was evaluated, followed by an assessment of physicochemical properties and stability. Six different compositions of emulsions and their respective nanoemulsions were prepared using combinations of solid lipids (beeswax or cocoa butter) with liquid lipids (olive, almond, or apricot oil). Their physicochemical characteristics and their colloidal stability over time were assessed using Dynamic Light Scattering or Static Light Scattering. The performance of samples on the skin was assessed by measuring their occlusion effect (F), while their hydrating effect was assessed on healthy volunteers. The nanoemulsions exhibited improved stability compared to the corresponding conventional emulsions of the same composition. However, all samples (emulsions or nanoemulsions) exhibited a satisfactory occlusive effect (F > 10), mainly at 6 h. In addition, all samples caused increased skin hydration by 10–20% one hour post-application. Nanoemulsions containing plant-origin oils showed better physicochemical stability compared to their corresponding emulsions. The in vivo assessment revealed no skin irritation caused by the samples. Nevertheless, subjective evaluations by volunteers unveil a preference for conventional emulsions, which were perceived as providing a more favorable skin texture, regardless of their composition. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3743 KiB  
Communication
Skin Care Function of Lactoferrin Was Characterized Using Recombinant Human Epidermal Model
by Tong Xie, Wu Qiao, Tinghan Jia and Ken Kaku
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030098 - 15 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4161
Abstract
The effect of lactoferrin on skin was simulated using a recombinant human epidermal model. The anti-inflammatory and soothing effect of lactoferrin was verified using IL-1α and TSLP Elisa assay. The effects of lactoferrin on the expression of related genes and proteins were detected [...] Read more.
The effect of lactoferrin on skin was simulated using a recombinant human epidermal model. The anti-inflammatory and soothing effect of lactoferrin was verified using IL-1α and TSLP Elisa assay. The effects of lactoferrin on the expression of related genes and proteins were detected using qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that lactoferrin can effectively enhance the Transepidermal Electrical Resistance (TEER) and inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokine IL-1α and TSLP. In addition, it was confirmed using qPCR that lactoferrin had high expression levels on AQP3, FLG, IVL, CLDN1 and HAS1 genes. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that lactoferrin had high fluorescence intensity and expression in AQP3, Filaggrin and Involucrin. The results showed that lactoferrin improved the skin barrier at higher than 1.5 mg/mL. At the same time, it can have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. This study provides a strong basis for the application of lactoferrin in cosmetics and daily chemical products. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop