Development of Nanoliposome With Zinc-Aminoclay (ZnAC) and Vitamin C for Cosmetic Applications

Abstract

This paper investigates the synthesis, characterization, and long-term stability of nanoliposomes (NLPs) derived from vitamin C and Zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC). NLPs are synthesized through thin-film hydration and building-block approaches. They are analyzed using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and antioxidant activity tests. Results show that VC-NLP-0.5% ZnAC has the highest positive surface charge (30.12±1.19 mV) and small diameter (305±4.53 nm), making it the optimal formulation for improving EE and stability of vitamin C. The EE of vitamin C in VC-NLP-0.5% ZnAC is 10% higher than in VC-Liposomes at neutral pH (6.98). After 30 days of storage, the antioxidant activity remains at 93.2% in VC-NLP-0.5% ZnAC, significantly higher than free vitamin C, which retained only 48.1% activity at room temperature. This indicates that ZnAC plays a crucial role in stabilizing vitamin C by preventing degradation. The cytotoxicity of Nanoliposome-ZnAC was assessed using an MTT assay on HaCaT cells at various concentrations and the cell viability remained above 90% across all tested concentrations and time points. Further research should focus on clinical trials to evaluate skin absorption and efficacy in cosmetic formulations, mechanistic studies on ZnAC's role in enhancing vitamin C stability, and scalability assessments for commercial production. Given its enhanced efficacy and stability, VC-NLP-0.5% ZnAC presents a promising avenue for developing advanced vitamin C-based cosmetic products.

Practical Applications: The developed Zn-aminoclay-liposomal system offers a novel strategy for enhancing the functional stability of sensitive actives in skincare formulations. Its electrostatic assembly and biocompatibility make it particularly attractive for topical delivery platforms. This approach can be extended to stabilize other bioactives prone to degradation, offering researchers a practical and adaptable tool for formulating next-generation cosmetic or therapeutic products with improved performance and shelf-life.