Novel lipid based systems for improved topical delivery of antioxidants

UV induced skin damage by reactive oxygen species is a rapid process which can be averted by application of antioxidants at the onset or during the deve lopment o f ox idat i ve s t re s s . Ant iox idant supplementation is an integral part of a multi-faceted approach in photoprotection. Lipid based carriers have been more and more explored in pharmaceutical technology, showing superior advantages for topical purposes over conventional colloidal carriers. Some of the lipid-based innovations are nanoemulsions which are transparent and have unique tactile and texture properties, nanoparticles which are used in skin-care products, and liposome formulations which contain small vesicles (range: 50–5000 nm) consisting of traditional cosmetic materials that protect light or oxygen-sensitive cosmetic ingredients. A review of the literature is presented in an attempt to emphasize several advantages of lipid based delivery systems for cosmetic and topical applications of antioxidants exemplified using suitable actives.