Smart Nanocarriers in Cosmeceuticals Through Advanced Delivery Systems

Abstract

Nanomaterials have revolutionized various biological applications, including cosmeceuticals, enabling the development of smart nanocarriers for enhanced skin delivery. This review focuses on the role of nanotechnologies in skincare and treatments, providing a concise overview of smart nanocarriers, including thermo-, pH-, and multi-stimuli-sensitive systems, focusing on their design, fabrication, and applications in cosmeceuticals. These nanocarriers offer controlled release of active ingredients, addressing challenges like poor skin penetration and ingredient instability. This work discusses the unique properties and advantages of various nanocarrier types, highlighting their potential in addressing diverse skin concerns. Furthermore, we address the critical aspect of biocompatibility, examining potential health risks associated with nanomaterials. Finally, this review highlights current challenges, including the precise control of drug release, scalability, and the transition from in vitro to in vivo applications. We also discuss future perspectives such as the integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence for personalized skincare to further advance the technology of smart nanocarriers in cosmeceuticals.

Keywords: cosmeceuticals; nanomaterials; smart nanocarriers; stimuli responsiveness.

Figure 1

A schematic diagram of different nanoscale materials ranging between 1~100 nm. Organic nanoparticles (polymers, dendrimers); inorganic nanoparticles (calcium phosphate, gold nanoparticles); organic/inorganic hybrids (functionalized gold nanoparticles, nanocomposites); carbon-based (functionalized fullerenes); liposomes and biological nanoparticles (protein and nucleic acid based). Reproduced from [27] under a creative common attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, accessed on 7 March 2025).

Figure 2

(a) Research growth in field of nanocarriers or cosmeceuticals. Paper publication data from Web of Science using “nanocarriers or cosmeceuticals” and patent publication data from USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). (b) Integration of benefits of smart nanocarriers in cosmeceuticals.

Figure 3

(a) Schematic design of thermosensitive nanocarriers using silica nanoparticles; (b) representative images of skin section, showing different intensity of penetration dye. Scale bar = 50 μm. Reproduced from [50] under creative common attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, accessed on 7 March 2025).

Figure 4

Penetration and release of active ingredients from pH-sensitive nanoparticles. reproduced from [77] under creative common attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, accessed on 7 March 2025).

Figure 5

(a) Schematics of design of chitosan-PLGA/ceramide treatment on atopic dermatitis (AD) lesion and electron microscopic images of shape of (b) PLGA nanoparticles, (c) chitosan coating, and (d) shrinkage of PLGA. Reproduced from [79] under creative common attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, accessed on 7 March 2025).

Figure 6

Dual stimuli-responsive liposomes for transdermal drug delivery system, which responds to body temperature at epidermis and acidic pH at endosome. Reproduced from [57] under creative common attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, accessed on 7 March 2025).