Liposomes in

cosmetic industry
 Cosmetics

➢ Cosmetics are the products which meant for

the application on the body for the purpose of
Cleansing , beautifying and enhancing appearance.

➢ In this present world, the consumers have

become very conscious regarding
the skin care because of the effect of pollution
and other environmental effects
like emission of harmful UV rays.
 The use of cosmetics in our daily life make us feel
confident, enhances the appearance which makes men
and women to stay young and attractive.

 The usage of conventional delivery system has greatly

been replaced by Novel delivery systems like
liposomes, Transferosomes, Niosomes and
cubosomes.

 The novel delivery system has the advantages of

releasing the active ingredient to specific tissues in
body for prolonged duration with controlled release
which in turn reduces the amount as well as the
frequency of the application.
 Liposomes

➢ Liposomes are the vesicular structures with an aqueous core

which are surrounded by a hydrophobic lipid bilayer.

➢ They are composed of phospholipids, especially

phosphatidylcholine and egg phosphatidylethanolamine.

➢ Liposomes are used as vehicles in cosmetics for delivery

to skin layers.

➢ The lipid bilayers of liposomes promotes release of

its contents, making them useful for cosmetic delivery applications.
➢ Liposomes can vary in size, from 15nm up to several µm.

➢ One of the reasons for the widespread use of liposomes in the cosmetic industry is their
ease of preparation and the ability to improve the absorption of active ingredients by skin.

➢ Liposomes are unstable due to their susceptibility to oxidation and breakdown of

liposomal structures. The formulations are more stable by optimising the storage
conditions and adding chelators and antioxidants.

➢ Several biomolecules like vitamin A and E and antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids
have been incorporated into liposomes to increase their delivery. Phosphotidylcholine,
main ingredients of liposomes have been widely used in skin care products and shampoos
due to its softening and conditioning purpose.
 Mechanism of action of liposomes

➢ The skin is the most extensive organ covering the entire body surface and has a
significant role in protecting the body. Human skin is made up of 3 layers: the
epidermis , the dermis and the hypodermis.

➢ lipophilic and amphiphilic substances are settled in the lipid bilayer of the liposome
and hydrophilic agents are embedded in the aqueous center or in the external aquatic
phase.

➢ Liposomes with their small size and similarity of structure with skin respecting their
lipid composition, provide ease to the penetration inside the horny layer to a great
degree compared to conventional dosage forms.
➢ As liposome structure and composition bear a close resemblance to the stratum corneum,
percutaneous administration of this vehicle leads to the lipidic components to be
deposited from which liposome load can be slowly release and result in prolonged effect
of the ingredient.

➢ The majority liposomes that are

used topically onto the skin will
accumulate more as a reservoir
providing a more long action effect
in the upper layers of the stratum
corneum.
 Liposomes in cosmetic industry

➢ Liposomes can play the role as both vehicles of cosmeceutical materials and as active
agents themselves. When skin is affected by eczema or damaged due to lack of
moisture, empty liposomes can interact with skin lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
helping in this way the skin to return to normal state.

➢ When they are used for delivery of active ingredients they may enhance the penetration,
solubility or stability, cause longevity of effect, targeting the ingredient to desired site
of action, reduce toxicity, increase control over pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics, and make the product cost effective.
➢ Vegetable phospholipids are widely used for topical
applications in cosmetics and dermatology because
of their high content of esterified essential fatty acids
especially linoleic acid which increases the barrier
function of the skin and decreases water loss within
a short period of time after its application.

➢ Soya phospholipids and vegetable phospholipids are

used as they have the ability to form liposomes and
their surface activity.

➢ Liposomes are also used in anti-aging creams

and treatment of hair loss.
 History

➢ The first liposomal cosmetic product introduced was the Capture anti-aging cream by
Dior .

➢ For body care, the first liposomal formulation was introduced in 1987 and many other
products, which the majority of them that claimed to be effective for slimming were
manufactured after that. later, other skin protectives such as sunscreens or self-tanning
products were also turned out.

➢ Liposomal products in cosmetics are not limited to skin care but also for hair care.

➢ The first product containing liposomes for make-up was a powder produced in 1988
followed by mascara and different foundations .
 Formulations of various Liposome
delivery systems and their Applications

Type of delivery Active ingredient Formulation

system

Liposomes CoQ10, Avocado, Rosehip, Antiwrinkle Cream

Carrot Oil and with Vitamins
A, B, C and E, Aloe.
Liposomes Organic Aloe juice, Cocos Deep Moisturizing Cream
mucifera
Liposomes Tyrocine, Aloe vera, α linoleic Sunscreen cream
acid
Liposomes Minoxidil sulphate, propylene Nanominox-MS, for hair loss
glycol treatment
First marketed
liposomal
cosmetic
product was
the anti-aging
cream
CAPTURE™
REGAINE®
solution
which slows
the hair loss
Liposome
night cream
Plenitude ™
Tanning agents
in liposomes
antiwrinkle
cream by
L'Oreal
Decorte eye
cream
Penta ™
Humectant in
liposomes by
Pentapharm