Encapsulation of cosmetic active ingredients for topical application – a review

Abstract

Abstract:Microencapsulation is finding increasing applications in cosmetics and personal care markets. This paper provides an overall discussion on encapsulation of cosmetically active ingredients and encapsulation techniques for cosmetic and personal care products for topical applications. Some of the challenges are identified and critical aspects and future perspectives are addressed. Many cosmetics and personal care products contain biologically active substances that require encapsulation for increased stability of the active materials. The topical and transdermal delivery of active cosmetic ingredients requires effective, controlled and safe means of reaching the target site within the skin. Preservation of the active ingredients is also essential during formulation, storage and application of the final cosmetic product.Microencapsulation offers an ideal and unique carrier system for cosmetic active ingredients, as it has the potential to respond to all these requirements. The encapsulated agent can be released by several mechanisms, such as mechanical action, heat, diffusion, pH, biodegradation and dissolution. The selection of the encapsulation technique and shell material depends on the final application of the product, considering physical and chemical stability, concentration, required particle size, release mechanism and manufacturing costs.

Fragrant Microcapsules Based On β-Cyclodextrin for Cosmetotextile Application

“…Microcapsules are made of a core material containing an active ingredient surrounded by a shell (wall material) that acts as a separation barrier against external medium and controls release kinetics [10]. The diameter of microcapsules may vary from 1 to 1000 µm and the encapsulating membrane can be made of natural or synthetic polymers with variable thickness and permeability [11,12].…”

Polyamide Microparticles Containing Vitamin C by Interfacial Polymerization: An Approach by Design of Experimentation

“…Encapsulation is a technique which has been used for many years [21][22][23]. It can be defined as the inclusion of an active ingredient (a solid, liquid, or gas) into a matrix core (usually a polymer) to give a small capsule with many useful properties [24,25]. For many years, industry has applied microencapsulation to [24]:…”

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Inclusion into Υ-Cyclodextrin and Mesoporous SBA-15: Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Release Study

“…Moreover, the use of a carrier to vehiculate VC-IP can successfully improve the release of the active ingredient, producing a formulation with modified and prolonged delivery. Taking into account that VC-IP is a neutral molecule among the different types of solid drug carriers [10][11][12], Cyclodextrin and mesoporous SBA-15 have been chosen as the best candidates for the purpose of this work. Cyclodextrin are cyclic (α-1,4)-linkedoligosaccharides of α-D-glucopyranose, containing a relatively hydrophobic central cavity and hydrophilic outer surface.…”