Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is the role of liposomes in skincare products?

1. Act as a moisturizer

2. Encapsulate and control ingredient delivery

3. Provide antibacterial properties

4. Neutralize acids in the skin

The correct answer is: Encapsulate and control ingredient delivery

Liposomes play a significant role in skincare products primarily by encapsulating and controlling the delivery of active ingredients. These tiny, spherical structures can carry various compounds, allowing for enhanced penetration into the skin layers. This encapsulation helps protect the ingredients from degradation and ensures that they are released in a targeted manner when applied to the skin. The controlled delivery system of liposomes means that the active ingredients can be released over time, providing prolonged benefits compared to non-encapsulated formulations. This characteristic is especially important for ingredients that may be unstable or irritating in their free form, as the liposomes can provide a buffer and enhance the skin’s absorption process. While moisturizing, antibacterial properties, and acid neutralization are important functions in skincare, they are not the primary roles of liposomes. Instead, those functions may be attributed to other ingredients in the formulation, but liposomes specifically excel in their ability to enhance ingredient delivery and stability within skincare products.