98 DELIVERY SYSTEMS
not only enhances the chemical stability of retinol but also contributes to controlled formulation- level protection, ensuring the product remains effective during storage and use. This double-shielded design combines
chemical stabilization with formulation-level protection, effectively preventing discoloration and degradation. Additionally, the nanocarrier exhibits a sustained release profile, gradually delivering retinol over time after application, thereby minimizing potential skin irritation.
Skin delivery mechanism – cationic- driven absorption enhancement The skin surface carries a predominantly negative charge due to the abundance of free fatty acids, protein residues, and other polar components in the stratum corneum. The cationic nature of the ionized phytosphingosine shell enables strong electrostatic adhesion to this negatively charged layer, ensuring that the nanocarrier remains firmly in contact with the skin for an extended period. This enhanced adhesion not only improves the
residence time but also facilitates more effective interaction with the skin’s lipid matrix, promoting deeper penetration into the skin. Once adhered, the nanocarrier can navigate
through intercellular lipid domains, sweat ducts, and hair follicles, delivering retinol to target sites where it supports collagen synthesis, epidermal turnover, and overall skin regeneration. The sustained and controlled diffusion profile mitigates the rapid concentration spikes commonly observed with conventional retinol formulations, reducing potential irritation while achieving more uniform distribution. Experimental observations confirm that
this system significantly enhances skin delivery efficiency, ensuring higher bioavailability and prolonged therapeutic effect even at equivalent retinol concentrations.
Key technical benefits and experimental evidence Enhanced chemical stability Oxidation of retinol is suppressed by
stabilizing the electron density of the hydroxyl group (–OH). No added antioxidants: The formulation
maintains over 90% stability at high temperature (45 °C) for up to three months without additional stabilizers (Figure 3).
Reduced skin irritation and cytotoxicity Encapsulation within the nanocarrier prevents
sudden spikes in retinol concentration, reducing cellular irritation while enhancing efficacy. CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay on HaCaT
(Human Immortalized Keratinocytes) cells at 24 h and 48 h shows reduced cytotoxicity and irritation compared to conventional retinol, confirming improved biocompatibility (Figure 4). Collagen synthesis assays confirm increased biological efficacy in (Figure 5).
Improved skin delivery efficiency Franz Diffusion Cell Test: Using both cultured cell-based skin models and synthetic artificial
PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE April 2026
Figure 2: Retinol nanocarrier observed by Cryo-TEM
skin models, penetration efficiency increased by approximately 260% compared to conventional retinol (Figures 6 & 7). Clinical Trials: Raman spectroscopy analysis
confirmed roughly 200% increase in skin penetration in Figure 8.
Clean beauty Improves solubility and oxidative stability of
retinol without PEG. Does not rely on regulated chemical stabilizers
such as BHT or BHA, ensuring safer, cleaner formulations.
Retinol with ionization-induced interactions ■ Conventional retinol ■ 100 80 60 40 20 0 0 2 (Weeks) Figure 1: Comparison of retinol stability at elevated temperatures -> at 45°C
TABLE 1: COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Feature
Conventional stabilization Technologies Stabilization Principle Skin Irritation Skin penetration
Eco-Friendliness / Clean Beauty
Storage Stability Additives Required
Formulation-level: encapsulation Chemical: addition of antioxidants
(Such as BHT and BHA) Physical: packaging improvements
High concentrations can cause redness and dryness
Low Not suitable (uses PEG, BHT, BHA)
Rapid potency loss at high temperatures
Antioxidants, regulated ingredients This technology Formulation-level: double-
shielded structure Chemical: molecular-level electrostatic interactions
Sustained-release design minimizes irritation
Enhanced via cationic nanocarrier
Suitable
Maintains stability at high temperatures
Minimal additives This technology goes beyond the limitations of
conventional stabilization methods by combining molecular-level chemical stabilization with a double-shielded formulation structure. When integrated with advanced packaging solutions, it represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring maximum stability.
Applications and industrial outlook By fundamentally addressing retinol’s instability, this technology can be applied across a wide range of sectors, including high-performance cosmetics, dermocosmetics, quasi-drug products, and pharmaceutical nanocarriers.
High-performance cosmetics This nanocarrier system is highly suitable for anti-ageing, brightening, and firming products. Its non-irritating retinol formulation allows for safe use on sensitive areas such as around the eyes, while maintaining potent efficacy. This combination of performance and
gentleness supports positioning products in the premium skin care market, appealing to consumers seeking both results and comfort.
TDS (transdermal delivery system) and functional product applications The sustained-release design of the nanocarrier enables consistent and controlled delivery of retinol over time.
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Retinol Content (%)
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