We apply creams, ointments and serums expecting them to do something. But how do ingredients in a topical actually reach where they’re needed? Understanding skin penetration isn’t just a scientific curiosity, it’s essential to building safe, effective dermatological treatments. The…
Skin sensitization, often caused by chemicals like nickel sulfate (NiSO₄), can lead to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)—a condition marked by inflammation and immune activation. Conventional treatments like corticosteroids are effective but come with side effects such as skin thinning and…
Maintaining the skin’s natural pH is critical for preserving epidermal barrier function and preventing irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. The outermost layer of skin—the stratum corneum—functions optimally in a slightly acidic environment (pH 4.5–5.5), which supports antimicrobial defense and skin integrity.…
The cosmetics industry is constantly seeking novel and effective ingredients to meet the increasing consumer demand for youthful and healthy skin. Addressing signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation remains a primary focus. Traditional synthetic compounds often raise…
Melanin protects the skin from UV radiation but overproduction can cause hyperpigmentation, often triggered by UV-induced melanogenesis. This process begins when keratinocytes release α-MSH, which binds to MC1R on melanocytes, activating cAMP and MAPK pathways that boost melanin synthesis. Marine-derived…
In everyday conversation, people often use “cream” and “ointment” interchangeably. But in dermatological science and pharmaceutical formulation, the difference between a cream, a gel, a lotion, and an ointment isn’t just about texture. It’s about how the product behaves, how…
Maintaining microbial quality in cosmetic products is essential to protect consumer health. Water-rich formulations are especially susceptible to contamination by microbes like Candida albicans, a polymorphic fungus that can become pathogenic, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Contamination not only affects product…
Skin is constantly exposed to external irritants like UV rays, IR, harsh surfactants, and retinoids—all of which can compromise the barrier, increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and trigger inflammation through pathways such as NF-κB and MAPKs. This study investigated the…
Skin aging, often characterized by the appearance of wrinkles, is a significant concern. One factor contributing to wrinkle formation is the decrease in stratum corneum water content, which is associated with compromised skin barrier function. Maintaining adequate hydration and a…
Skin hyperpigmentation disorders, such as melasma, freckles, and solar lentigines, are associated with elevated activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a central role in melanin biosynthesis. Topical application of tyrosinase inhibitors is a key strategy for preventing or treating…