Delivery system

My research is focusing on developing a delivery system for cosmetics. In every cosmetics product, there should be a carrier or delivery system to deliver the active ingredients into certain parts or layers of the skin for it to take effect. Active ingredients are the ones which responsible for the benefits such as anti aging, antioxidant and others. Apart from basic ingredients, these active ingredients are the main ingredients for a beneficial cosmetics to reach it's target.

The benefits from the active ingredient take effect in different parts of skin or in different ways. It may be in the epidermis or the dermis. That is why we must create a specific system or carrier for a specific active ingredient for it's efficiency. There are different types of delivery system used in cosmetics industry such as emulsion, microparticles and the famous ones, liposomes and nanoparticles. These delivery systems were often used as drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical industry but has grown in the cosmetics industry as well.

For my research, i'm using charged nanoparticles. The purpose is to develop a carrier that retain the active ingredients in a wash-off product. Surfactants in cleansing products normally wash away together all the active ingredients before it could penetrate into skin. Because our skin is naturally negatively charged, that is why positively charged carrier is suggested to be developed so it can be attracted to the skin and not being washed away.

The end product will be a facial cleanser with the beneficial ingredient still retained and penetrated into skin maybe without needing to use a moisturizer after cleansing. Hopefully.

Layers of skin.

A video showing the layers of the skin and also the process of cell renewal/regeneration/differentiation/keratinization where the keratinocytes formed in the basal layer move upward through the epidermis and become flattened and converted to dead cells called corneocytes. The cell renewal cycle usually takes about 28 days and increases to longer days as we grow older. 28 days meaning for the new cells to undergo differentiation and reach the bottom of the starum corneum. The stratum corneum is replaced every 14 days, 14 days to worn away and 14 days for the dead cells to move from the bottom of the stratum corneum to the top of the surface.

function of ingredients

water

helping spread the product and mix other ingredients in the solution. It also replenishes moisture into the skin, which is vital considering water makes up the majority of our skin cells.

emollients

aid in the spreadability of the product and also helps to keep the product in place. It lubricates the skin and fills in the gaps to provide a smooth skin appearance.

surfactants

function to reduce surface tension between the skin’s surface and the product, allowing for better cosmetic performance. Surfactants come as (1) Detergents which lift dirt and oil off the skin and (2) Emulsifiers which keep water and oil blended in a product, preventing the customer from needing to vigorously shake it repeatedly.

thickeners

give consistency to gel-like products, allowing for easier spreadability and a more consistent feel.

fragrance

used in cosmetics primarily for their sensory effects rather than their functionality. Fragrances are not necessary for the effectiveness of a product and are the most common causes of allergic reactions.

preservatives

keep bacteria out of products and stop chemical changes from occurring that hinder the effectiveness of the cosmetic.

humectants

draw water to the skins surface, helping to ensure healthy skin hydration. Most moisturizers are a combination of humectants and emollients.


source: http://factoidz.com/the-function-and-use-of-cosmetic-ingredients/

story of cosmetics & the critique.

u be the judge.