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