Innovations in Cosmetology: Bridging Scientific Evidence and Clinical Practice

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 12838

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: psychiatric diseases; adherence; pharmacy practice research
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of cosmetology has seen remarkable progress, particularly in the development and use of ingredients grounded in scientific research. Advances in understanding the skin's biology and how it responds to various active compounds have led to the creation of more effective and targeted cosmetic products. Innovations in skincare formulations, such as the incorporation of peptides, antioxidants, and novel delivery systems, have improved product efficacy, providing solutions for a wide range of skin concerns including aging, pigmentation, and hydration.

Alongside these developments, the growing trend of personalized skincare has emerged, powered by advancements in genetic research and skin microbiome studies. These innovations enable the creation of customized products that are tailored to an individual’s unique skin type and environmental factors. As scientific evidence continues to guide the formulation of cosmetic products, the industry is increasingly focused on transparency and safety, ensuring that products are both effective and safe for consumers. In this Special Issue, we invite authors to explore the latest scientific innovations in cosmetic ingredients and their clinical applications, highlighting how these advancements are shaping the future of skincare.

Dr. Josipa Bukić
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cosmetology
  • laser treatment
  • acne scars
  • skincare
  • cosmetic products

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 789 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Novel 1% Hydrogen Peroxide Formulations for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Facial and Truncal Acne Vulgaris
by Helena Martínez, María Lajarín, Ester Moreno, Laia Montell, Aymée Robainas, Carlos Ruíz, Montse Ortega and Carles Nieto
Cosmetics 2026, 13(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13020052 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
Acne vulgaris remains a common condition, with current topical therapies often limited by suboptimal efficacy and tolerability. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of two novel 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formulations, a cream-gel for facial and a sprayable [...] Read more.
Acne vulgaris remains a common condition, with current topical therapies often limited by suboptimal efficacy and tolerability. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of two novel 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formulations, a cream-gel for facial and a sprayable lotion for truncal mild-to-moderate acne. 42 participants presenting facial acne and 41 with truncal acne were treated twice daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), the Spanish Acne Severity Scale (EGAE), and lesion counts. After 56 days, facial acne severity improved significantly (IGA −26%, p = 0.01; EGAE −31%, p = 0.01), with reductions in papules (−45%, p = 0.017), porphyrin count (−27%, p = 0.04), sebum production (−75%, p = 0.005), erythema (−35%, p = 0.0001), and desquamation (−22%, p = 0.02). Truncal acne severity also improved significantly (IGA −32%, p = 0.001; EGAE −45%, p = 0.001), with reductions in inflammatory lesions (−60%, p = 0.001), porphyrin size and count (−55% and −48%, both p = 0.001), erythema (−7%, p = 0.005), and desquamation (−27%, p = 0.001). Both formulations were accepted by the users, with minimal local irritation and high patient satisfaction. Topical 1% H2O2 formulations demonstrated significant and well-tolerated efficacy in both facial and truncal acne, supporting their potential as safe and patient-friendly options for managing mild-to-moderate acne. Full article
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20 pages, 1524 KB  
Article
Phytocosmetic Water-in-Oil Emulsions with Plant Oils: Physicochemical, Rheological and Photoprotective Evaluation
by Nebojša Pavlović, Katarina Žabić, Dragana Zaklan, Jovana Milutinov, Dejan Ćirin and Veljko Krstonošić
Cosmetics 2026, 13(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13010023 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Plant oils are increasingly explored as sustainable functional ingredients in topical emulsions due to their emollient properties and reported photoprotective potential. This study aimed to formulate physically stable W/O emulsions containing selected plant oils (olive, avocado, sesame, flaxseed, and grape seed oils) at [...] Read more.
Plant oils are increasingly explored as sustainable functional ingredients in topical emulsions due to their emollient properties and reported photoprotective potential. This study aimed to formulate physically stable W/O emulsions containing selected plant oils (olive, avocado, sesame, flaxseed, and grape seed oils) at two concentrations (15% and 30%) and to evaluate their physicochemical, rheological, occlusive, and UV-protective properties. All formulations were confirmed as W/O systems with skin-compatible pH values and demonstrated shear-thinning, non-Newtonian flow with varying degrees of thixotropy. Increasing oil content from 15% to 30% reduced shear stress, consistency index, and viscoelastic moduli, indicating a softer internal structure. Moreover, the viscosities of the emulsions were not solely determined by the viscosities of the individual oils, suggesting significant interactions with the emulsifier system. High occlusion factors were demonstrated for all emulsions, with the highest values observed for 30% olive- and grape seed oil–based formulations. Spectrophotometric SPF assessment revealed measurable UV-protective activity only for emulsions containing 30% olive, avocado, or flaxseed oil (SPF > 1). All formulations exhibited satisfactory physical stability under mechanical and thermal stress. These findings demonstrate that plant oils can modulate the structure and performance of W/O emulsions and may serve as valuable supportive ingredients in the development of photoprotective cosmetic products. Full article
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13 pages, 502 KB  
Article
Improving Clinical Practice Through Better Evidence: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Reporting Quality in Contact Dermatitis Randomized Controlled Trial Abstracts
by Mia Šušak Crnčević, Toni Durdov, Doris Rušić, Lara Ramić, Ana Ćosić and Josipa Bukić
Cosmetics 2025, 12(6), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12060269 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 2129
Abstract
Contact dermatitis is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the skin with substantial impact on patients’ quality of life and occupational function. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest level of evidence for treatment evaluation, previous research has shown that the reporting [...] Read more.
Contact dermatitis is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the skin with substantial impact on patients’ quality of life and occupational function. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest level of evidence for treatment evaluation, previous research has shown that the reporting quality of RCT abstracts is often suboptimal. This study aimed to assess the completeness of reporting of RCT abstracts on contact dermatitis according to the CONSORT extension for abstracts (CONSORT-A). A cross-sectional analysis of 304 abstracts indexed in PubMed between 1975 and 2024 was conducted. Each abstract was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the 17-item CONSORT-A checklist, with inter-rater agreement calculated by Cohen’s κ. The median adherence score was 5 out of 17 items (29.4%), with a range from 1 (5.9%) to 14 (82.4%). The reporting of study aims (82.9%), interventions (82.2%), and conclusions (91.1%) was frequent, whereas critical methodological elements such as participant criteria (4.6%), randomization (2.0%), trial registration (3.0%), and funding (0.7%) were rarely reported. Structured abstracts, hospital settings, significant study results, and more than seven authors were independent predictors of higher adherence in multivariate analysis. Abstracts published after 2008, when CONSORT-A was introduced, showed modest but significant improvement. These findings indicate that reporting quality of contact dermatitis RCT abstracts remains inadequate, underscoring the need for stricter journal requirements, structured abstract formats, and broader dissemination of CONSORT-A guidelines. Full article
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Review

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15 pages, 1291 KB  
Review
Chronic Hand Eczema: From Nosological Ambiguity to Therapeutic Identity in the Era of Targeted Topical JAK Inhibition
by Martina Burlando and Emanuele Claudio Cozzani
Cosmetics 2026, 13(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13030118 - 11 May 2026
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a persistent and relapsing inflammatory dermatosis characterized by substantial functional impairment, psychosocial distress, and occupational disability. Although epidemiologically common and clinically burdensome, CHE has long suffered from nosological ambiguity, frequently interpreted as a localized manifestation of atopic dermatitis, [...] Read more.
Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a persistent and relapsing inflammatory dermatosis characterized by substantial functional impairment, psychosocial distress, and occupational disability. Although epidemiologically common and clinically burdensome, CHE has long suffered from nosological ambiguity, frequently interpreted as a localized manifestation of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, or cumulative irritant dermatitis. The recent regulatory approval of topical delgocitinib, a pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor specifically indicated for moderate-to-severe CHE inadequately controlled by topical corticosteroids, has reshaped both therapeutic strategy and conceptual framing of the disease. The introduction of a targeted therapy dedicated to CHE has reinforced its clinical identity while simultaneously highlighting its internal biological heterogeneity. Beneath the umbrella term “chronic hand eczema” lie distinct phenotypes characterized by variable barrier dysfunction, immune polarization, and environmental interaction. This review integrates current knowledge on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic stratification, therapeutic algorithms, phase III registrative evidence, emerging real-world data, and the central role of barrier restoration. Particular attention is devoted to the hand as a specialized barrier organ and to the interplay between inflammation and epidermal structural integrity. In the era of targeted therapy, precise diagnostic framing and barrier-oriented management are indispensable to optimize outcomes. Full article
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14 pages, 927 KB  
Review
Emerging Trends in Facial Cosmetics: Innovation, Science, and Sustainable Beauty
by Ricardo Sagastume-Canova and Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Cosmetics 2026, 13(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13020058 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 3976
Abstract
Facial cosmetics are undergoing a significant transformation driven by scientific innovation, consumer awareness, and a growing demand for personalized and sustainable solutions. This article explores the latest developments in active ingredients, such as exosomes, growth factors and cosmeceuticals, alongside the rise of smart [...] Read more.
Facial cosmetics are undergoing a significant transformation driven by scientific innovation, consumer awareness, and a growing demand for personalized and sustainable solutions. This article explores the latest developments in active ingredients, such as exosomes, growth factors and cosmeceuticals, alongside the rise of smart skincare technologies, including AI-based diagnostics and connected beauty devices. It also examines evolving consumer preferences, with a focus on transparency, skin health, and environmentally conscious formulations. Together, these trends are shaping a new era in facial cosmetic care, where efficacy, safety, and sustainability converge. Full article
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17 pages, 1104 KB  
Review
Multi-Target Strategies for Enhancing Ceramide Production: A Review of Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmetic Science
by Jihye Maeng, Sekyoo Jeong, Hyunjung Kim and Gaewon Nam
Cosmetics 2026, 13(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13010008 - 1 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2133
Abstract
Ceramides are central to stratum corneum barrier organization and hydration. Beyond topical replenishment, ceramide-stimulating strategies increasingly aim to enhance endogenous ceramide biosynthesis, processing, and homeostatic remodeling in coordination with keratinocyte differentiation. In this review, we summarize the three major metabolic routes that shape [...] Read more.
Ceramides are central to stratum corneum barrier organization and hydration. Beyond topical replenishment, ceramide-stimulating strategies increasingly aim to enhance endogenous ceramide biosynthesis, processing, and homeostatic remodeling in coordination with keratinocyte differentiation. In this review, we summarize the three major metabolic routes that shape epidermal ceramide output—de novo synthesis, salvage, and sphingomyelin hydrolysis—and organize representative bioactive ingredients by their primary molecular targets rather than by origin. Specifically, we map ingredients to tractable regulatory nodes, including transcriptional “liposensors” (PPAR/LXR), the induction of biosynthetic/elongation and processing enzymes (e.g., SPT, CerS3, ELOVL4), the provision of structural substrates and precursors (e.g., linoleate-rich lipids and glycosylceramides), salvage-pathway sphingoid bases that can reshape ceramide subclass output, and metabolic sensing/stress-response pathways centered on AMPK–mTOR–SIRT1/autophagy. Across these mechanisms, agents spanning botanical and fermented extracts, vitamins, sphingoid intermediates, lipid precursors, and pathway modulators (including autophagy-focused probes) have been reported to increase ceramide abundance and, in some contexts, favor barrier-relevant ultra-long-chain species and ω-O-acylceramides that support lamellar organization and the corneocyte lipid envelope. Translational and clinical studies in dry, sensitive, and aged skin generally associate such interventions with improved barrier function and reduced dryness. Aligning ingredient selection with defined biosynthetic and processing checkpoints—and verifying outcomes with lipidomics alongside clinical endpoints—may accelerate the development of evidence-based, ceramide-stimulating cosmetics. Full article
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