The South Korean cosmetics company Amorepacific has developed a new cosmetic application technology based on nanotechnology. It uses plant-derived triterpenes to develop a 20-nanometre lipid-based nano-transport system that is significantly smaller and more stable than conventional cosmetic carriers. The new technology, officially named “Lipo3Ex”, is already being used in products from the South Korean brands IOPE and Primera, the company said. The skincare technology is based on joint research with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and was published in the international journal of nanoscience, ACS Nano, the company reports.

Transport system inspired by nature

The research team succeeded in reducing a lipid-based transport system to 20 nanometres whilst simultaneously developing a stable, resilient structure. In the case of cosmetic active ingredients, a smaller particle size generally enables better release of the active ingredient. The Amorepacific R&I Centre focused on the plant-based ingredient triterpenes and demonstrated that it can naturally maintain the structure of the carrier and strengthen intermolecular bonds, thereby increasing stability even at minimal sizes.

Effect in deeper skin layers

Studies on human skin have confirmed that triterpenes can penetrate deeper layers of the skin more effectively and evenly than conventional carriers. This significantly increases the delivery of active ingredients. Cosmetic active ingredients are no longer confined to specific areas of the skin, but are distributed more evenly throughout the skin. According to the company, this enables users to achieve more stable and consistent regenerative effects, which contribute to a balanced complexion. The study utilised state-of-the-art analytical methods such as cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics simulations. These surpass existing sensory and experience-based approaches and now form the basis for the development of further cosmetic application technologies, Amorepacific added.

Source: Amorepacific