Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Cosmeceuticals

Phyto-based cosmeceuticals have been utilized in cosmeceuticals for decades and are found to be effective for skin-based therapy, antiaging, and sunscreen applications. The main limitations of using these phytocompounds include limited penetration and the destabilization of diverse compounds for prolonged and enhanced distribution. To overcome these limitations nanotechnology-based products are introduced for prolonged delivery of bioactive substances in the cosmetics industry. These nano-scaled compounds promote the aesthetic feel in cosmeceuticals. Various nanotechnology-derived products include liposomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, lipidic nanocarriers, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes. Genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, vitamins C and E, aloe vera, and curcumin are successfully being reduced to nanosize particles using a variety of delivery techniques and added to numerous creams, lotions, and gels for skin, hair, and lip care because of their ability to provide prolonged benefits. The chapter examines the utilization of phyto-based ingredients in the cosmetic industry, and various phytocompounds in different nanosizes used to create nano-cosmeceuticals to improve skin-based therapy.