Skincare and Cosmetics

Skincare and Cosmetics

CREATE A NOVEL USER EXPERIENCE
The skincare and cosmetic industry is under constant pressure to meet new consumer expectations. Our advanced microencapsulation technology increases formulation capacity, enhances active ingredient performance and offers a unique controlled release function. It provides a tool to put science at the service of beauty and design innovative cosmetic formulations with specific features and benefits. Our novel delivery systems based on a release-on-demand mechanism translate your ideas into next-generation products.

We provide R&D services and look for partnerships with manufacturers of skincare and cosmetic ingredients in search of inventive ways to improve efficacy and meet consumer demand for innovations and novel, better-performing products.

RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF SKINCARE AND COSMETICS

ADHESIVE AND ANTI-ADHESIVE MICROCAPSULES FOR IMPROVED TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF SKINCARE AND COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

For the cases where active skincare and cosmetic ingredients need to be delivered to the skin surface, we offer adhesive microcapsules.

 

However, to have a beneficial effect on the skin, some skincare ingredients, e.g., those targeting signs of aging, skin texture, or hyperpigmentation, need to penetrate more deeply, getting past the top layers of the epidermis. As human skin represents a natural barrier, efficient delivery of skincare ingredients can be challenging. The adhesion of microcapsules to the skin inhibits their penetration into the skin pores. We offer a novel approach to efficiently deliver skincare ingredients by introducing anti-adhesive microcapsules.

Adhesive and anti-adhesive microcapsules for improved transdermal and transfollicular delivery of skincare and cosmetic ingredients

MICROCAPSULES OF FLEXIBLE GEOMETRICAL SHAPES FOR IMPROVED TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF SKINCARE AND COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

The shape also matters. Skin pores and hair follicles are attractive portals for the delivery of microencapsulated skincare and cosmetic ingredients. Pores and follicles resemble an empty cup which needs to be filled. The higher the packing density, the greater the number of active ingredients that can be delivered. We offer non-spherical microcapsules to increase the packing density, thus improving transdermal delivery.

 

Existing microcapsules are spherical. However, compared to other shapes, a sphere represents the least efficient shape for random particle packing. We designed microcapsules of various geometrical shapes, such as cubes, M&M-like or other super-ellipsoids, to substantially increase random particle packing density to offer better product performance.

 

Control over the shape and size of microcapsules opens new possibilities.

Microcapsules of flexible geometrical shapes for improved transdermal and transfollicular delivery of skincare and cosmetic ingredients
WE INTRODUCE CONTROLLED AND TRIGGERED-RELEASE MICROCAPSULES

NOVEL TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR SKINCARE AND COSMETICS

Our advanced microencapsulation technology draws on science to create high-performing skincare and cosmetic formulations with customised delivery mechanisms. It opens up possibilities for advanced and innovative skincare and cosmetic solutions and novel user experiences.

 

All microencapsulation technologies seek to mask the unpleasant odours or colours of active ingredients and protect them from degradation, ensuring their stability and stabilising and increasing their benefits. Our approach to microencapsulation offers more than that.

 

Our CSO pioneered programmed-shell microcapsules with controlled and triggered release functions, a new way to deliver active ingredients. By selecting appropriate biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, not only do we efficiently isolate and protect the encapsulated ingredients against degrading factors but we also ensure their release on demand. Our technology provides a versatile tool for the controlled and targeted delivery of active skincare and cosmetic ingredients at a low cost. Production costs are mainly determined by the price of polymers and encapsulated active ingredients, representing a fraction of the final price.

Programmed-shell microcapsules for innovative skincare and cosmetic products

WE OFFER A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO LIPOSOMES

Liposomes are widespread as delivery systems for active ingredients. However, they are known for poor chemical and physical stability, requiring specific conditions in order to remain stable, limited control over release function, low loading capacity and high cost for large-scale production. Another popular encapsulation system is emulsification. Similar to liposomes, emulsion droplets are unstable and lack controlled release function, offering only passive elution.

 

In contrast, our smart microcapsules are highly stable. They create a physical barrier, isolating and protecting active ingredients against degrading factors, such as heat, sunlight, moisture, oxidation, evaporation or incompatibility and interactions with other ingredients during production, storage and application. Our programmed-shell microcapsules can contain practically any active ingredient, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, and can contain multiple ingredients, are able to hold large payloads, enable controlled and triggered release and are suitable for large-scale, cost-effective production.

SMART MICROCAPSULES WITH A UNIQUE FUNCTIONALITY – CONTROLLED AND TRIGGERED RELEASE

But the most important advantage of our advanced microencapsulation technology is controlled and triggered release (release-on-demand). The release-on-demand mechanism ensures efficient, controlled and safe means of reaching the target site within the skin. Our microencapsulation systems provide a unique approach for more efficient delivery of active skincare and cosmetic ingredients and present a versatile alternative to traditional delivery systems.

 

Triggered release is our key differentiator.

  • RELEASE TRIGGERED BY ULTRASOUND

    A low-intensity ultrasound can further improve transdermal delivery and release. Sonic waves generated by a portable ultrasound device stimulate the penetration of microcapsules into the skin pores and the release of encapsulated active ingredients.

  • RELEASE TRIGGERED BY NIR (NEAR-INFRARED) LIGHT

  • ENZYMATICALLY-TRIGGERED RELEASE

  • RELEASE TRIGGERED BY pH

     

WE REPLACE LIPOSOMES AND INTRODUCE NOVEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS TO CREATE NEXT-GENERATION SKINCARE AND COSMETICS

Meet consumer demand for innovations and better-performing products.

WIDE CHOICE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

 

We can encapsulate any active cosmetic ingredients, small and large molecules, hydrophilic and hydrophobic, microelements, and even microorganisms. Our microcapsules can contain multiple active ingredients, making them multifunctional.

 

WIDE CHOICE OF SHELL MATERIAL

 

We can choose from a wide range of FDA-approved biocompatible and biodegradable hypoallergenic polymers, synthetic or natural. We can make shells mono- or multi-layered.

 

 

 

HIGH STABILITY

 

Unlike liposomes and emulsion droplets, our polyelectrolyte microcapsules are highly stable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH LOADING CAPACITY

Our microcapsules can hold high volumes of active skincare and cosmetic ingredients (active ingredients: 75-80%, polymers: 20-25%).

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH STABILITY

Unlike liposomes and emulsions, our microcapsules are highly stable, creating a real barrier between active substances and the environment.

HIGH STABILITY COMPARED TO LIPOSOMES

 

Today, the most common encapsulation systems are represented by liposomes and the emulsification into microdroplets. However, their significant drawback is poor stability. In contrast to liposomes and emulsions, our polyelectrolyte microcapsules are far more stable creating a real physical barrier between encapsulated skincare and cosmetic ingredients and a surrounding environment.


Our microcapsules are true core-shell structures with stable polymer shells protecting encapsulated substances from the environment

EFFICIENT TRANSDERMAL AND TRANSFOLLICULAR DELIVERY

We offer a novel approach to improve the transdermal and transfollicular penetration rate of skincare and cosmetic ingredients. The improved penetration results in an increase in the concentration of active ingredients within the skin and greater product effectiveness.

HIGH TRANSDERMAL PENETRATION RATE

 

For effective delivery into the skin cells, active ingredients are required to penetrate the top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier. Although the cosmetics industry has made substantial progress, the barrier function of the skin remains a limiting factor in the penetration and absorption of active skincare and cosmetic ingredients. Most of them do not penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and stay on the surface.

 

Among different strategies to optimise transdermal delivery, liposomes are the most common delivery system. However, they have poor skin permeation limits. In contrast, not only do our smart microcapsules increase the stability of skincare and cosmetic ingredients within the formulation, but they also introduce specific mechanisms that increase the deep penetration of active ingredients across the skin for greater effectiveness.


EFFICIENT TRANSFOLLICULAR DELIVERY

 

Delivery of active ingredients through hair follicles in the skin provides optimal effects on the delivery of topical formulations. Hair follicles provide faster pathways for the passage of certain molecules and formulations compared to the entry through the stratum corneum. Liposomes have been widely used as drug carriers for follicular targeting purposes. Our smart microcapsules provide a better alternative.

 

Our programmed-shell microcapsules enhance the penetration of the encapsulated active ingredients into the hair follicles. Furthermore, they allow prolongation of the payload release and provide storage in the skin for a longer duration. We can also vary the size of our microcapsules, and the size of the particles has been shown to play an important role in the penetration depth of the hair follicle.


TRIGGERED RELEASE

Our polyelectrolyte multi-layered composite microcapsules provide a versatile tool to create smart delivery systems sensitive to chemical, physical, or mechanical factors. Using our advanced microencapsulation technology, we achieve a broad range of controlled-release scenarios. Our technology enables the release of active skincare and cosmetic ingredients triggered by physiological stimuli, such as pH, enzymatic activity, ionic strength, and temperature, release triggered by mechanical action (friction, pressure and other forces) and remote stimuli (ultrasound, NIR light, UV light).

CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Release of skincare and cosmetic ingredients can be triggered by changes in pH, enzymatic activity, ionic strength (salinity), solvent polarity, and temperature.

EXTERNAL STIMULI

Release of skincare and cosmetic ingredients can be triggered by external stimuli, such as ultrasound, near-infrared (NIR) and UV lights.

MECHANICAL ACTION

Release of skincare and cosmetic ingredients can be triggered by mechanical action, such as friction, pressure and other forces.

Example of ultrasound-triggered release of active substances from microcapsules
Example of the release of active substances from microcapsules triggered by ultrasound
Release of skincare and cosmetic ingredients can be triggered by external stimuli, such as ultrasound
Example of microcapsule opening triggered by ultrasound
Mask odour and colour
Mask unpleasant odours and unattractive colours of skincare and cosmetic ingredients to improve product attractiveness.
Protect cosmetic ingredients
Protect skincare and cosmetic ingredients from environmental conditions (heat, moisture, oxidation, sunlight, etc.) and interactions with other ingredients.
Improve skin penetration
Ensure penetration of skincare and cosmetic ingredients into deeper layers of the skin for more efficacy.
Increase stability
Significantly increase the stability of skincare and cosmetic ingredients resulting in the shelf-life extension.
Prevent loss of volatile ingredients
Solve the problem of the high volatility of fragrances and prolong aroma release in a controlled manner.
Controlled and triggered release
Introduce controlled and triggered release of skincare and cosmetic ingredients to improve efficacy, prolong action, and create smart delivery systems for better performance.
Introduce new ingredients
Make it possible to introduce new ingredients to broaden the applications and extend the product range.
Make cost savings
Make redundant expensive packaging, chemical modifications, masking agents and preservatives.
PARTNER WITH US

We seek partnerships with manufacturers of skincare and cosmetic ingredients to bring our innovations to the market. Share with us your challenges and ideas. Together, we will design unique and innovative formulations and develop solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of experts will help you translate your vision of the ideal product into a real product that is high-performing and a pleasure to use.