Abstract
Spontaneous self-assembly of phospholipids into lipid vesicles in aqueous media is called liposomes, and these structures are widely used as nanocarriers in the cosmeceutical industry. Transethosomes are ethanol and edge activator-containing liposomes that are proven to be very effective in topical applications for penetrating the skin barrier. Many cosmeceutical products contain formulations with ceramides to restore the skin barrier and treat eczema. However, due to the low solubility and penetration ability of the ceramides, the effectiveness of these products is limited. In this study, a transethosome formulation containing ceramide 3 (Cer 3) was achieved by introducing varying concentrations of cholesterol and an edge activator (Tween 80) to improve the effect of the skin products used to treat eczema. The obtained transethosomes were examined in terms of size, homogeneity, zeta potential, morphology, and one-month stability. Loading capability experiments were carried out with lipophilic Chromabright and hydrophilic Ambora extract. The effect of Cer 3 on the loading of the selected payloads was evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically with linear regression analysis and two-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the inclusion of Cer 3 had almost no effect on the physical properties of the loaded or empty transethosomes. Independently of the presence of Cer 3, loading of the lipophilic compound was more efficient than that of the hydrophilic one.