Oregon Esthetician State Board

What are liposomes used for in skincare?

1. They provide hydration on the skin surface

2. They encapsulate ingredients for targeted delivery

3. They serve as natural UV filters

4. They function as coloring agents in cosmetics

The correct answer is: They encapsulate ingredients for targeted delivery

Liposomes are sophisticated structures used in skincare primarily for their ability to encapsulate active ingredients, allowing for targeted delivery into the skin. This encapsulation helps protect sensitive ingredients from degradation and enhances their effectiveness by ensuring that they reach the specific areas of the skin where they are needed most. The lipid bilayer of liposomes mimics the skin's natural barrier, facilitating better absorption and allowing for a more controlled release of the ingredients over time. The other options, while related to skincare, do not accurately reflect the primary function of liposomes. For instance, while hydration is essential for skin health, liposomes themselves do not serve as a direct source of moisture on the skin surface; instead, they may help deliver moisturizing agents more effectively. Similarly, the function of serving as natural UV filters or acting as coloring agents in cosmetics does not apply to liposomes, as these roles pertain to different types of compounds used in skincare products. Therefore, the correct understanding revolves around the targeted delivery system provided by liposomes, highlighting their significant utility in enhancing product efficacy in the skincare realm.