Liposome
Delivery Technology
A phospholipid vesicle system that mimics the structure of cell membranes—Dērmyxis’ delivery platform designed to support the protection, distribution and optimised release of active ingredients within a formula.
The performance of a cosmetic formula depends not only on the actives selected, but also on how they are protected, distributed and released on the skin. Liposome technology was developed to address precisely this formulation challenge.
Explore the TechnologyA Phospholipid Vesicle System Inspired by Cell-Membrane Structure
Liposomes are microscopic vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers surrounding an internal compartment. Structurally, this architecture shares key similarities with cell membranes and the lipid system naturally present in the skin’s epidermis.
A defining feature of liposomes is the amphiphilic nature of phospholipids: they contain both water-attracting and oil-attracting regions. This allows a single delivery structure to flexibly encapsulate different groups of active ingredients.
Two Compartments Defined by a Phospholipid Bilayer
Phospholipid Bilayer
Two phospholipid layers orient their hydrophilic heads towards the inner aqueous core and the external environment, forming the boundary between the two.
Internal Aqueous Core
A hydrophilic central compartment in which water-soluble actives can be securely encapsulated.
Water-Soluble Actives
Held within the aqueous core of the liposome—for example, vitamin C and hydrophilic peptides.
Oil-Soluble Actives
Incorporated within the phospholipid bilayer—for example, vitamins A and E and selected antioxidants.
Three Stages of an Effective Delivery System
Protect Active Ingredients
When incorporated into a formula, liposomes form a protective structure around selected actives, limiting direct exposure to factors that may affect stability, including light, oxygen and the formula’s internal environment.
Support More Even Distribution
When the product is applied, the phospholipid membrane helps distribute actives more evenly across the skin’s surface and supports more consistent contact with the stratum corneum, reducing uneven concentration or localised accumulation.
Modulated Release
Depending on particle size and formulation design, the delivery system can support the retention and gradual release of actives, rather than exposing the skin to the full amount immediately after application.
*Actual delivery performance depends on particle size and product-specific test data.
How Do Liposome-Encapsulated Actives Differ from Conventional Actives?
FREE ACTIVES
- Dispersed directly within the product base, without a dedicated protective layer.
- May be more vulnerable to oxidation and degradation caused by light and air.
- May increase the risk of irritation when released too rapidly or concentrated locally.
LIPOSOME-ENCAPSULATED ACTIVES
- Benefit from an additional protective phospholipid membrane with structural affinity to the skin’s natural lipids.
- Support improved stability and more even distribution across the skin’s surface.
- Support a more controlled release profile, which may help reduce the risk of irritation.
*Performance depends on the quality of the liposomal raw material and the manufacturing technology used.
This technology can be used to encapsulate a range of ingredient groups, each benefiting from a different characteristic of the phospholipid membrane.
Liposome technology shifts the focus from “which active is used” to “how that active is protected and delivered”—a modern delivery approach designed to elevate the performance of premium skincare formulations.
— Dērmyxis R&D
Three Principles — Protect · Distribute · Release
Liposome technology is commonly used in advanced skincare products developed for: