Ingredient: Liposomes

Liposomes are a popular ingredient in anti-aging products because of their ability to capture and deliver active anti-aging ingredients through the layers of skin right down to the cellular level where they can be most productive. They deliver nutrients directly to aging cells and have been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce fine lines, diminish wrinkles and improve texture.

Liposomes were originally developed to transport drugs through the body to treat cancer and other diseases, but cosmetics companies began using Liposomes because of their unique ability to provide cells with critical nutrients and the nourishment necessary to promote collagen production.

Liposomes are a delivery system (not an ingredient). The liposome wall is very similar, physiologically, to the material of cell membranes. When cosmetics containing liposomes are applied to the skin, for example, the liposomes are deposited onto the skin and begin to merge with the cellular membranes. In the process, the liposomes release their payload of active materials into the cells. As a consequence, not only is delivery of the actives very specific--directly into the intended cells--but the delivery takes place over a longer period of time. Liposomes are typically manufactured from various fatty substances that are used to encapsulate, or to create a sphere around, cosmetic materials.

There are no specific studies that warn against the use of Liposomes in beauty or skin care products. Cosmetics companies must use caution when directly transporting any ingredients to skin cells. Because Liposomes provide a direct pathway to vulnerable skin cells, they run the potential risk of transporting dangerous toxins if stringent guidelines are not followed in creating formulas that include Liposomes. Use caution when purchasing knock off or other cheap cosmetics.