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Review
. 2023 Dec;315(10):2787-2793.
doi: 10.1007/s00403-023-02725-z. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Silica-based microencapsulation used in topical dermatologic applications

Lawrence J Green  1 , Neal D Bhatia  2 , Ofer Toledano  3 , Maya Erlich  3 , Amy Spizuoco  4 , Benjamin C Goodyear  5 , Jean Philippe York  5 , Jeannette Jakus  6
Affiliations
Review

Silica-based microencapsulation used in topical dermatologic applications

Lawrence J Green et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Microencapsulation has received extensive attention because of its various applications. Since its inception in the 1940s, this technology has been used across several areas, including the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Over-the-counter skin products often contain ingredients that readily and unevenly degrade upon contact with the skin. Enclosing these substances within a silica shell can enhance their stability and better regulate their delivery onto and into the skin. Silica microencapsulation uses silica as the matrix material into which ingredients can be embedded to form microcapsules. The FDA recognizes amorphous silica as a safe inorganic excipient and recently approved two new topical therapies for the treatment of rosacea and acne. The first approved formulation uses a novel silica-based controlled vehicle delivery technology to improve the stability of two active ingredients that are normally not able to be used in the same formulation due to potential instability and drug degradation. The formulation contains 3.0% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 0.1% tretinoin topical cream to treat acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients. The second formulation contains silica microencapsulated 5.0% BPO topical cream to treat inflammatory rosacea lesions in adults. Both formulations use the same amorphous silica sol-gel microencapsulation technology to improve formulation stability and skin compatibility parameters.

Keywords: Amorphous silica; Dermatologic agents; Dermatological agents; Microencapsulation; Silicon compounds.

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Conflict of interest statement

LJG is an investigator, speaker, or consultant to: Abbvie, Alumis, Arcutis, Amgen, BMS, Cara, Dermavant, DermTech, Highlittl, Janssen, Lilly, Novan, OrthoDerm, SunPharma, Takeda, UCB, Ventyx, Verrica. NDB is an advisor, consultant, and investigator for Galderma and Sol-Gel Technologies. OT and ME are employees of Sol-Gel Technologies. AS is a speaker for Diversity in Dermatology and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology; had employment or consultation with Amgen, Ortho Dermatologics, Galderma, Regeneron/Sanofi, BMS, Arcutis, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, CeraVe, Verrica; and had a position on advisory board or board of directors or other type of management relationships with: Amgen, Ortho Dermatologics, Galderma, Regeneron/Sanofi, BMS, Arcutis, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, CeraVe, and Verrica. BCG and JPY are employees of Galderma Laboratories. JJ is an investigator in Galderma clinical trials unrelated to the subject matter of this manuscript. She is an investigator and speaker for other companies, none of which represent a conflict of interest for this publication.

LJG is an investigator, speaker, or consultant to: Abbvie, Alumis, Arcutis, Amgen, BMS, Cara, Dermavant, DermTech, Highlittl, Janssen, Lilly, Novan, OrthoDerm, SunPharma, Takeda, UCB, Ventyx, Verrica. NDB is an advisor, consultant, and investigator for Galderma and Sol–Gel Technologies. OT and ME are employees of Sol–Gel Technologies. AS is a speaker for Diversity in Dermatology and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology; had employment or consultation with Amgen, Ortho Dermatologics, Galderma, Regeneron/Sanofi, BMS, Arcutis, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, CeraVe, Verrica; and had a position on advisory board or board of directors or other type of management relationships with: Amgen, Ortho Dermatologics, Galderma, Regeneron/Sanofi, BMS, Arcutis, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, CeraVe, and Verrica. BCG and JPY are employees of Galderma Laboratories. JJ is an investigator in Galderma clinical trials unrelated to the subject matter of this manuscript. She is an investigator and speaker for other companies, none of which represent a conflict of interest for this publication.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cryo scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) image of encapsulated benzoyl peroxide (E-BPO) and SEM image of encapsulated tretinoin (E-ATRA). a Cryo-SEM image of an E-BPO microcapsule captured with a secondary electron detector which provides morphological information. b SEM image captured with a back scattering electrons detector of an E-ATRA microcapsule that shows the tretinoin within the silica shell
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forms of different silicic acids
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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