Current and Prospective Applications of 3D Printing in Cosmetics: A Literature Review

Abstract

3D printing (3DP) is a manufacturing technology that produces 3D objects from a design file using layer-by-layer deposition of material. It has already found applications in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, while its use in the field of topical delivery has been extensively studied in the last two decades. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the 3DP-based developments in topical delivery, with special emphasis on its current and potential use in the cosmetic field. This review covers the principles and main types of 3DP technology, production, and characteristics of two key 3DP skin delivery platforms (patches and microneedles—MNs), as well as topical active materials used, focusing on those for cosmetic application. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles in relevant databases was performed (including PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, Kosmet, ScienceDirect and Scopus) from 2004 to date. The study concludes that 3D printed MNs would gain prevalence over patches for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and that dissolving MNs have the highest potential among them. The use of 3DP technology appears to be a promising approach to the development of efficient personalised cosmetic delivery platforms.

Liquid for Fused Deposition Modeling Technique (L-FDM)—A Revolution in Application Chemicals to 3D Printing Technology: Color and Elements

“…Apart from medicine and pharmacy, 3D printing has potential applications in the cosmetic industry. Specifically, this technique can help in printing skin delivery platforms such as patches and microneedles [29]. Printed cosmetic microneedles can be a delivery system for both hydrophilic and lipophilic active ingredients that will be introduced into the material during the L-FDM process [30].…”

Printable-Microencapsulated Ascorbic Acid for Personalized Topical Delivery

“…In the future, the application of 2D- and 3D-printing technologies is expected to increase in popularity and significance in beauty devices and personalized drug delivery . These technologies have the potential to create customized solutions that address the specific needs and preferences of each individual.…”

“…In the future, the application of 2D- and 3D-printing technologies is expected to increase in popularity and significance in beauty devices and personalized drug delivery. 23 These technologies have the potential to create customized solutions that address the specific needs and preferences of each individual. By leveraging the precision and flexibility of printing techniques, it is possible to produce beauty devices and drug delivery systems that are tailored to a particular user, resulting in more effective and efficient treatments.…”