Development of a Liquid Crystal Pseudo-Ceramide Product for High Penetration into the Stratum Corneum

Abstract

Intercellular lipid (ICLs) content in the stratum corneum is an important determinant of the barrier and water-holding functions of skin. Ceramides are major components of ICLs and their supplementation in skin may provide improved barrier function. Thus, various emulsification technologies have been developed to enhance their penetration into skin. However, ceramides easily crystallize, making such penetration at a high quantity difficult. We developed a liquid crystal product for assisting with a high level of penetration of the pseudo-ceramide (sphingolipid E (SLE)) into the stratum corneum. We focused on cholesteryl alkenyl succinate (CHAS), which has a structure composed of cholesterol (CHOL) and fatty acids, and prepared multi-lamellar vesicles consisting of SLE, CHAS, phytosphingosine, and CHOL. The vesicles formed a liquid crystal structure and maintained that structure even after drying. As compared to conventional products, the amount of penetrated SLE was twice that with use of the liquid crystal vesicle formulation. We report here successful development of a liquid crystal product for a substantial increase of intradermal penetration by SLE.