Introduction: Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits. Some cosmeceuticals can act effectively when reaching their target sites in the deeper layers of the skin. However, the barrier nature of skin causes significant difficulties for compounds to be delivered through. Therefore, scientists are investigating various strategies to overcome these barrier properties. Liposomes have been claimed to improve the topical delivery of compounds.
Areas covered: This paper offers a brief overview of current approaches in the research and development of liposomal formulations to improve the performance of cosmeceuticals, from recent literature. This review deals with the potential of liposomes as a skin delivery system for cosmeceuticals, with a focus on the clinical application of liposomes.
Expert opinion: Liposomes are well-known vesicular cosmetic delivery systems. The topical application of liposomes offers a wide range of advantages including increased moisturization, restoring action, biodegradability, biocompatibility and extended and slow dermal release. Their similar structure to biological membranes allows penetration into the epidermal barrier, compared with other delivery systems. The incorporation of cosmeceuticals using suitable delivery systems is important in the management of cosmetic disorders.