Formulations and Delivery Systems to the Skin

A special issue of Cosmetics (ISSN 2079-9284).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2023) | Viewed by 21162

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
Interests: drug delivery systems; wound healing; nanoformulations; topical formulations; natural compounds; curcumin; tocotrienols; chitosan
Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Bandar Baru Bangi, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Interests: drug delivery; nanoformulations; tocotrienols; antioxidants; anti-inflammatory; hydrogel; natural products; topical formulations

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Discipline of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
Interests: topical/transdermal formulation design; cosmepharmaceuticals; biomaterials; cellulose, starch

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin delivery is an important research area not only for cosmetics uses, but also for effective delivery of drug compounds. The global skin care market is expected to reach USD 196.20 billion by 2030; therefore, advances in cosmetics research are essential to drive innovation in the industry. On the other hand, effective drug delivery through the skin could overcome the shortcomings of other drug delivery systems, such as avoiding first pass metabolism and improved patient compliance. This Special Issue aims to feature recent advances in formulations and delivery systems designed for the skin for both cosmetics and drug delivery uses. We invite manuscripts that cover the topics of delivery systems for the skin, including but not limited to development and characterization of skin formulations, in vitro and in vivo studies of the systems, and topical and transdermal delivery such as lotion, cream, ointment, gel, hydrogel, paste, spray, patch, microneedle, and others.

Dr. Alice Lay Hong Chuah
Dr. Ju-Yen Fu
Dr. Choon Fu Goh
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • drug delivery systems
  • formulation science
  • skin delivery
  • cosmetics
  • transdermal
  • dermal
  • topical
  • nanoformulations
  • skin permeability
  • safety
  • toxicology
  • hydrogel

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 9902 KiB  
Article
Development of Topical Formulations Containing 20% of Coated and Uncoated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Stability Assessment and Penetration Evaluation by Reflectance Confocal Laser Microscopy
by Geórgia de Assis Dias Alves, Camila Helena Ferreira Cuelho, Maria José Vieira Fonseca and Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos
Cosmetics 2024, 11(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11010006 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 3111
Abstract
The introduction of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOn) in sunscreens solved the issue of poor spreadability of these formulations, which often left a white film on the skin. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the topical application of ZnOn. Some studies employed commercial sunscreens [...] Read more.
The introduction of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOn) in sunscreens solved the issue of poor spreadability of these formulations, which often left a white film on the skin. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the topical application of ZnOn. Some studies employed commercial sunscreens to address the safety issues of the topical application of ZnOn; however, commercial formulations are often complex and contain a wide range of ingredients that could attenuate the potential damage caused by the ZnOn. Therefore, in this study we aimed to develop a simple stable formulation containing 20% of coated and uncoated ZnOn, characterize the formulations and the nanoparticles, and assess the skin penetration in a Franz diffusion cell. The Feret’s diameter for the uncoated and coated ZnOn was 137 nm and 134 nm, respectively. For the uncoated ZnOn the hydrodynamic size in water was 368 nm and for the coated ZnOn, the average hydrodynamic size in ethyl acetate was 135 nm. The incorporation of ZnOn led to formulations more consistent and easier to spread, as suggested by the lower work of shear and higher values of firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and index of viscosity compared with the vehicle. The stability assessment at 45 °C suggested that the formulations containing the ZnOn were stable for 30 days and the vehicle was stable for 90 days. The assessment of the skin penetration by reflectance confocal laser microscopy indicated that the ZnOn did not permeate into the deepest layers of the skin, but accumulated on the skin furrows, hair and hair follicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formulations and Delivery Systems to the Skin)
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Review

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15 pages, 605 KiB  
Review
An Overview of Proprietary Vehicles/Bases for Topical Compounding Medicines and Cosmetics
by Ana Torres, Isabel F. Almeida and Rita Oliveira
Cosmetics 2024, 11(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11010016 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4154
Abstract
Compounding is currently an integral part of pharmacy practice, and it is essential to the provision of healthcare. Compounding is an important therapeutic option in all areas of medicine, with relevance to dermatological treatments. Compounding topical medicines can be time-consuming and requires specialized [...] Read more.
Compounding is currently an integral part of pharmacy practice, and it is essential to the provision of healthcare. Compounding is an important therapeutic option in all areas of medicine, with relevance to dermatological treatments. Compounding topical medicines can be time-consuming and requires specialized equipment. In this regard, the use of proprietary topical liquid and semisolid vehicles/bases can be a good alternative and a more sustainable approach. This review provides an overview of existing proprietary vehicles/bases, summarizing their properties and applications and identifying existing commercial and information gaps. Creams emerge as the foremost topical base, followed by gels and ointments. Besides acting locally on the skin, almost a third of these proprietary bases/vehicles are also suitable for the transdermal application of APIs. Information regarding composition and compatibilities/incompatibilities with APIs is not always provided by the manufacturer, constraining a complete analysis of all proprietary topical bases/vehicles considered. The collection and organization of this information are important not only for pharmacy practice and physician prescription, helping to select the best vehicles/bases, but also for the industry to identify opportunities for innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formulations and Delivery Systems to the Skin)
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20 pages, 1810 KiB  
Review
Current Insights into the Formulation and Delivery of Therapeutic and Cosmeceutical Agents for Aging Skin
by Ayça Altay Benetti, Tamara Tarbox and Camillo Benetti
Cosmetics 2023, 10(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10020054 - 25 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8901
Abstract
“Successful aging” counters the traditional idea of aging as a disease and is increasingly equated with minimizing age signs on the skin, face, and body. From this stems the interest in preventative aesthetic dermatology that might help with the healthy aging of skin, [...] Read more.
“Successful aging” counters the traditional idea of aging as a disease and is increasingly equated with minimizing age signs on the skin, face, and body. From this stems the interest in preventative aesthetic dermatology that might help with the healthy aging of skin, help treat or prevent certain cutaneous disorders, such as skin cancer, and help delay skin aging by combining local and systemic methods of therapy, instrumental devices, and invasive procedures. This review will discuss the main mechanisms of skin aging and the potential mechanisms of action for commercial products already on the market, highlighting the issues related to the permeation of the skin from different classes of compounds, the site of action, and the techniques employed to overcome aging. The purpose is to give an overall perspective on the main challenges in formulation development, especially nanoparticle formulations, which aims to defeat or slow down skin aging, and to highlight new market segments, such as matrikines and matrikine-like peptides. In conclusion, by applying enabling technologies such as those delivery systems outlined here, existing agents can be repurposed or fine-tuned, and traditional but unproven treatments can be optimized for efficacious dosing and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formulations and Delivery Systems to the Skin)
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17 pages, 4847 KiB  
Review
Advancement of All-Trans Retinoic Acid Delivery Systems in Dermatological Application
by Sharifah Shakirah Syed Omar and Hazrina Hadi
Cosmetics 2022, 9(6), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9060140 - 11 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3795
Abstract
Dermatological conditions, such as acne, photoaging, psoriasis, and wounds, have been treated topically with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for many years owing to its anti-inflammatory activity, comedolytic effect, and ability to increase collagen production. However, common side effects of ATRA known as the [...] Read more.
Dermatological conditions, such as acne, photoaging, psoriasis, and wounds, have been treated topically with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for many years owing to its anti-inflammatory activity, comedolytic effect, and ability to increase collagen production. However, common side effects of ATRA known as the retinoid reaction can occur. These side effects are countered by ATRA encapsulation in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and liposomes. Liposomes used to encapsulate ATRA include niosomes, ethosomes, and transfersomes. Side effects involving inflammatory reactions, such as irritation, redness, and erythema, were diminished using these approaches. The use of such carriers enhanced the efficacy of ATRA by enhancing its permeation into skin. These formulations have been compared in terms of improving the activity of ATRA and the ability to relieve the side effects. Further research into different delivery systems for ATRA using various formulations will improve the future of topical ATRA delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formulations and Delivery Systems to the Skin)
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