Dual-action topical formulations for enhanced skin penetration and targeted dermal repair

Background

Dermatological and cosmetic treatments increasingly focus on targeted delivery of active compounds to the deeper skin layers to combat photoaging, oxidative damage, and carcino­genesis. However, the stratum corneum presents a formidable barrier to percutaneous absorption, limiting the efficacy of topically applied actives. Conventional formula­tions like gels, lotions, and emulsions often either fail to penetrate adequately or disrupt the barrier excessively, leading to irritation and unintended systemic absorption. Further­more, most delivery systems do not effectively address the dual need to prevent extra­cellular matrix (ECM) degradation and stimulate ECM synthesis, both of which are critical to main­taining skin structure and function as it ages or undergoes UV damage.

Technology overview

This technology features a versatile platform of topical gels, emulsions, and emulgels that co-deliver bioactive ingredients such as niacin­amide, resveratrol, ellagic acid, doxy­cycline, and others within an optimized carrier system of water, glycerin, poly­ethylene glycol 400, surfactants, and polymers. Through high-throughput screening, specific combinations of surfactants (such as Tweens, Spans, poloxamers) and water-soluble polymers (including sodium hyaluronate and poly­carbophil) were identified that transiently fluidize the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, enabling targeted epidermal and dermal penetration without compromising barrier integrity. The actives con­currently inhibit key matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMP-1, elastase, and hyaluronidase while upregulating ECM production, achieving superior outcomes compared to gold-standard treatments like Ilomastat or ascorbic acid. These formula­tions minimize systemic absorption and maximize local retention, offering a potent, non-invasive solution for anti-aging, sunscreen enhancement, and photo­carcinogenesis prevention.

Benefits

  • Addresses unmet need for effective and safe dermal delivery systems
  • High commercial potential across cosmetics, dermatology, and personal care
  • Customizable for diverse product lines and active ingredients

Features

  • Inhibits ECM-degrading enzymes while stimulating collagen and elastin production
  • Enables deep skin penetration without compromising barrier function
  • Limits systemic absorption for safer cosmetic and therapeutic use
  • Demonstrates superior MMP inhibition and collagen stimulation versus standard treatments
  • Adaptable to various formulation types and target use cases

Applications

  • Anti-aging skincare
  • Post-sun exposure repair
  • Sunscreen enhancement
  • Photocarcinogenesis prevention
  • Cosmetic dermatology

Opportunity

Available for exclusive licensing

Intellectual property

Provisional patent filed