Volume : 13, Issue : 10, October – 2026

Title:

EMERGING NANO-COSMECEUTICALS FOR SKIN REJUVENATION: INTEGRATED APPROACHES WITH NANO-RETINOL, NANO-PEPTIDES, AND SMART DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Authors :

Vigneshwar M, Gopinath S ,Udayageethan L, Shahana K, Anbarasan B

Abstract :

Skin aging is a complex biological process driven by intrinsic factors, including genetic and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, environmental pollution, and lifestyle-related stressors. These factors contribute to the degradation of structural proteins, particularly collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dryness, and uneven skin tone. Cosmeceutical actives such as retinol and peptides are widely investigated for their ability to enhance cellular turnover, stimulate collagen synthesis, and improve skin appearance. However, their clinical and cosmetic effectiveness can be limited by poor stability, low bioavailability, rapid degradation, and skin irritation. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have therefore emerged as promising platforms for improving the performance and tolerability of anti-aging cosmeceuticals. This review critically examines the integration of nano-retinol and nano-peptide systems into advanced topical formulations, focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, skin targeting, therapeutic potential, and formulation considerations. Encapsulation of retinol in liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can improve photostability, controlled release, skin deposition, and tolerability while facilitating enhanced delivery across the stratum corneum and into the epidermis. Peptides are categorized according to their biological functions, including signal, carrier, and neurotransmitter-inhibitory peptides, which may promote collagen synthesis, modulate matrix metalloproteinases, reduce wrinkle formation, and support skin repair. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential synergistic combination of nano-retinol and nano-peptides within multifunctional formulations to target complementary mechanisms involved in skin aging. Key formulation parameters, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, excipient compatibility, and physicochemical stability, are discussed in relation to product performance and safety. Advanced evaluation approaches, including in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation, and clinical studies, are reviewed for assessing efficacy and skin delivery. Safety considerations, including irritation, nanotoxicological risks, and long-term exposure, are also examined. Regulatory perspectives from the US FDA, EMA, and CDSCO are discussed, along with emerging opportunities in stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, AI-assisted formulation development, and personalized nano cosmeceuticals.
KEYWORDS: Nano-retinol; Nano-peptides; Nano cosmeceuticals; Dermal drug delivery; Controlled release.

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Gopinath S et al., Emerging Nano-Cosmeceuticals For Skin Rejuvenation: Integrated Approaches With Nano-Retinol, Nano-Peptides, And Smart Delivery Systems.,. Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(10).

REFERENCES:

1. Langton AK, Sherratt MJ, Griffiths CEM, Watson REB. Review Article: A new wrinkle on old skin: the role of elastic fibres in skin ageing. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2010;32:330–339. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00574.x.
2. Karim PL, Aryani I, Nopriyati N. Anatomy and Histologic of Intrinsic Aging Skin. Bioscmed 2021;5:1165–1177. https://doi.org/10.32539/bsm.v5i11.417.
3. Hwang K-A, Yi B-R, Choi K-C. Molecular Mechanisms and In Vivo Mouse Models of Skin Aging Associated with Dermal Matrix Alterations. Lab Anim Res 2011;27:1. https://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2011.27.1.1.
4. Watson REB, Gibbs NK, Griffiths CEM, Sherratt MJ. Damage to Skin Extracellular Matrix Induced by UV Exposure. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling 2014;21:1063–1077. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2013.5653.\
5. Bonté F, Girard D, Archambault J-C, Desmoulière A. Skin Changes During Ageing. Sub-Cellular Biochemistry 2019;91:249–280. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3681-2_10.
6. Schütz R, König B, Hochstrasser B, Stolz P, Imfeld D. Production of the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) and Evaluation of Its Potential as Anti‐Aging Active. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2006;28:69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00300_2.x.
7. Widgerow AD, Grekin SK. Effecting skin renewal: a multifaceted approach. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2011;10:126–130. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00555.x.
8. Beckenbach L, Baron JM, Merk HF, Löffler H, Amann PM. Retinoid treatment of skin diseases. European Journal of Dermatology 2015;25:384–391. https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2015.2544.
9. Quan T. Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol. Biomolecules 2023;13:1614. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111614.
10. Katsambas AD, Katoulis AC. Topical retinoids in the treatment of aging of the skin. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1999;455:477–482. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4857-7_70.
11. Alcántara-Quintana LE. Challenges and Opportunities of Biologically Active Peptides in the Design and Formulation of Cosmeceuticals, Bentham Science; 2023, p. 245–254. https://doi.org/10.2174/9789815123340123040018.
12. Ogiso T, Iwaki M, Tanino T, Yono A, Ito A. In Vitro Skin Penetration and Degradation of Peptides and Their Analysis Using a Kinetic Model. Biol Pharm Bull 2000;23:1346–1351. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.23.1346.
13. Schleich N, Préat V. Nanostructures Overcoming the Skin Barrier: Drug Delivery Strategies, Royal Society Of Chemistry; 2012, p. 316–325. https://doi.org/10.1039/9781849735292-00316.
14. Zhong J, Zhao N, Song Q, Du Z, Shu P. Topical retinoids: Novel derivatives, nano lipid-based carriers, and combinations to improve chemical instability and skin irritation. J of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23:3102–3115. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16415.
15. Yan Z, Zhang S, Wu G, Kang Y, Fu C, Wang Z, et al. Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Topical Delivery Systems for Skincare Applications. Pharmaceutics 2026;18:63. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18010063.
16. Narsa AC, Suhandi C, Afidika J, Ghaliya S, Elamin KM, Wathoni N. A Comprehensive Review of the Strategies to Reduce Retinoid-Induced Skin Irritation in Topical Formulation. Dermatology Research and Practice 2024;2024:5551774. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5551774.
17. Failloux N, Baron M ‐H, Abdul‐Malak N, Perrier E. Contribution of encapsulation on the biodisponibility of retinol. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2004;26:71–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0412-5463.2004.00206.x.
18. Truchuelo-Díez MT, Sánchez AL, Haya L, Andrés Lencina JJ, Vitale M. Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerance of a New Retinoid Combination with the Equivalent Retinol Concentration in the Treatment of Skin Aging. PreprintsOrg 2026. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202604.1253.v1.
19. Lee E, Ahn DK, Kim JH, Lee S, Kim HJ, Lee HK, et al. Skin Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Effects of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2025;35:e2507008. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2507.07008.
20. Pandey AS, Bawiskar D, Wagh V. Nanocosmetics and Skin Health: A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Formulations. Cureus 2024;16:e52754. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52754.
21. Gan L, Deng J, Hu L, Lu W, Cui D, Zhang W. The Microstructure of Nanocarrier System and its Application in Cosmetics. Nano LIFE 2020;10:2040012. https://doi.org/10.1142/s1793984420400127.
22. Gressler S, Hipfinger C, Giese B, Part F, Zafiu C, Ehmoser E-K, et al. Nanocarriers (NanoTrust-Dossier No62en – Feb. 2024). Self; 2024. https://doi.org/10.1553/ita-nt-062en.
23. Albakr L, Du H, Zhang X, Kathuria H, Fahmi Anwar‐Fadzil A, Wheate NJ, et al. Progress in Lipid and Inorganic Nanocarriers for Enhanced Skin Drug Delivery. Advanced NanoBiomed Research 2024;4. https://doi.org/10.1002/anbr.202400003.
24. Jaiswal P, Gidwani B, Vyas A. Nanostructured lipid carriers and their current application in targeted drug delivery. Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology 2014;44:27–40. https://doi.org/10.3109/21691401.2014.909822.
25. Liang W, Zhong L, Mao R. Common Nanocarriers and Their Advantages, Disadvantages and Applications. HSET 2022;26:469–473. https://doi.org/10.54097/hset.v26i.4028.
26. Lopes LB, Salata GC, Apolinário AC, Passos JS. Use of Lipid Nanoparticles, Nanoemulsions, and Vesicles for Topical Delivery of Active Compounds Employed in the Cosmetic Field. COSCI 2022;1. https://doi.org/10.2174/2666779701666220208091859.
27. Choudhury A, Kirti A, Lenka SS, Naser SS, Sinha A, Kumari S, et al. Strategic advances in liposomes technology: translational paradigm in transdermal delivery for skin dermatosis. J Nanobiotechnol 2025;23:576. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-025-03660-z.
28. Dandekar MR. Recent Advancements and Therapeutic Applications of the Niosomal Drug Delivery System. AJP 2024;18. https://doi.org/10.22377/ajp.v18i3.5621.
29. Pinto F, Fonseca LP, De Barros DPC. Dermal Delivery of Lipid Nanoparticles: Effects on Skin and Assessment of Absorption and Safety. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2022;1357:83–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88071-2_4.
30. Fitriani EW, Avanti C, Rosana Y, Surini S. Nanostructured lipid carriers: A prospective dermal drug delivery system for natural active ingredients. PHAR 2024;71:1–15. https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e115849.
31. Rachman ES, Soeratri W, M T. Characteristics and Physical Stability of Nanoemulsion as a Vehicle for Anti-Aging Cosmetics: A Systematic Review. JFIKI 2023;10:62–85. https://doi.org/10.20473/jfiki.v10i12023.62-85.
32. Aloenida YP, Dewi MK, Muhaimin M, Chaerunisaa AY. Nanoparticles as a Promising Approach for Improving Skin Anti-Aging Activity. NSA 2026;19:1–20. https://doi.org/10.2147/nsa.s571010.
33. Kahraman E, Güngör S, Özsoy Y. Potential Enhancement and Targeting Strategies of Polymeric and lipid-based Nanocarriers in Dermal Drug Delivery. Ther Deliv 2017;8:967–985. https://doi.org/10.4155/tde-2017-0075.
34. Bhat BB, Kamath PP, Chatterjee S, Bhattacherjee R, Nayak UY. Recent Updates on Nanocosmeceutical Skin Care and Anti-Aging Products. CPD 2022;28:1258–1271. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612828666220321142140.
35. Verschoore M, Nielson M. The Rationale of Anti-Aging Cosmetic Ingredients. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD 2017;16:s94–s97.
36. Tiwari N, Osorio‐Blanco ER, Sonzogni A, Esporrín‐Ubieto D, Wang H, Calderón M. Nanocarriers for Skin Applications: Where Do We Stand? Angewandte Chemie 2021;134. https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202107960.
37. Park H-W, Yoo D-S, Jeong CJ, Park SN. Retinol\\u2010Loaded Mannosylerythritol Lipid Nanoliposome for Enhanced Human Skin Penetration. Skin Research and Technology 2026;32:e70357. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.70357.
38. Pawłowska M, Marzec M, Jankowiak W, Nowak I. Retinol and Oligopeptide-Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers as Effective Raw Material in Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging Therapies. Life 2024;14:1212. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101212.
39. Jun S-H, Kim H, Lee H, Song JE, Park SG, Kang N-G. Synthesis of Retinol-Loaded Lipid Nanocarrier via Vacuum Emulsification to Improve Topical Skin Delivery. Polymers 2021;13:826. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050826.
40. Sachs DL, Voorhees JJ. Vitamin A: Retinoids and the Treatment of Aging Skin 2013:81–93. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118384824.ch8.
41. Sonoki A, Okano Y, Yoshitake Y. Dermal fibroblasts can activate matrix metalloproteinase-1 independent of keratinocytes via plasmin in a 3D collagen model. Experimental Dermatology 2018;27:520–525. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.13522.
42. Rossetti D, Kielmanowicz MG, Vigodman S, Hu YP, Chen N, Nkengne A, et al. A novel anti‐ageing mechanism for retinol: induction of dermal elastin synthesis and elastin fibre formation. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2011;33:62–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00588.x.
43. Domínguez-Delgado CL, Pozos-Nonato S, Campos-Santander KA, Benavides AA, Pacheco-Ortin SM, Higuera-Piedrahita RI, et al. Novel Nanotechnological Strategies for Skin Anti-aging. CPB 2023;24:1397–1419. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201024666221223095315.
44. Randhawa M, Rossetti D, Leyden JJ, Fantasia J, Zeichner J, Cula GO, et al. One-year topical stabilized retinol treatment improves photodamaged skin in a double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD 2015;14:271–80.
45. Kruti S, Saiyed M. A Systemic Review on Nanoemulsion based Transdermal Drug Delivery System: A Novel Drug Delivery System. AJPS 2023:303–308. https://doi.org/10.52711/2231-5659.2023.00051.
46. Pintea A, Manea A, Pintea C, Vlad R-A, Bîrsan M, Antonoaea P, et al. Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules 2025;15:88. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15010088.
47. Shomorony A, Denton AJ. Peptides in Facial Plastic Surgery: Emerging Applications in Aesthetics and Rejuvenation. Facial Plastic Surgery : FPS 2026;42:417–419. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2833-9992.
48. Dierckx S, Patrizi M, Merino M, González S, Mullor JL, Nergiz-Unal R. Collagen peptides affect collagen synthesis and the expression of collagen, elastin, and versican genes in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Front Med 2024;11:1397517. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1397517.
49. Zhang Q, Liu Z, Shu P, Jiang L, Ding W. Peptides as Master Keys to Skin Aging. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 2025;38:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1159/000547734.
50. Leonida MD, Kumar I. Peptide and Protein-Based Nanomaterials in Applications for the Skin, Springer; 2016, p. 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39168-7_13.
51. Lima T, Pedriali Moraes C. Bioactive Peptides: Applications and Relevance for Cosmeceuticals. Cosmetics 2018;5:21. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics5010021.
52. Mao Z. Frontiers in Skin Rejuvenation: Recent Advances in Anti-Aging Skincare Technologies Based on Proteins, Peptides, and Peptide Derivatives. MHS 2025;8:p69. https://doi.org/10.30560/mhs.v8n1p69.
53. Goudon F, Clément Y, Ripoll L. Controlled Release of Retinol in Cationic Co-Polymeric Nanoparticles for Topical Application. Cosmetics 2020;7:29. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7020029.
54. Zhang H. Thin-Film Hydration Followed by Extrusion Method for Liposome Preparation. Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, NJ) 2016;1522:17–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6591-5_2.
55. Mitali M, Singh MK, Mishra AK. Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Combating Skin Aging: A Comprehensive Review. CAS 2025;18. https://doi.org/10.2174/0118746098384581250904035955.
56. Sune P, Jumde K, Hatwar P, Bakal R, Korde A. Advances in oral controlled release drug delivery systems. GSC Biol Pharm Sci 2024;29:286–297. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2024.29.3.0475.
57. Viladot J, Gómez Y, Asensio J, Hernández A, De Moragas M, Martínez S, et al. Stabilization and release profile of retinol and tocopherol with microcapsules based on chitosan. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2008;30:78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00411_4.x.
58. Wang PHM, Agach M, Libii M, Chonez S, Gregoire S, Lee B, et al. An eco-friendly system for stabilization of retinol: Astep towards attending performance with improved environmental respect. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci 2023;45:581–591. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12853.
59. Basudkar V, Gharat SA, Momin MM, Shringarpure M. A Review of Anti-Aging Nanoformulations: Recent Developments in Excipients for Nanocosmeceuticals and Regulatory Guidelines. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2022;39:45–97. https://doi.org/10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2021039544.
60. Cai X, Jin M, Yao L, He B, Ahmed S, Safdar W, et al. Physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and application of nanocarriers. J Mater Chem B 2023;11:716–733. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2tb02001g.
61. Salazar M, Srivastav H, Srivastava A, Srivastava S. A user-friendly graphical user interface for dynamic light scattering data analysis. Soft Matter 2023;19:6535–6544. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3sm00469d.
62. Ferraris S, Cazzola M, Peretti V, Stella B, Spriano S. Zeta Potential Measurements on Solid Surfaces for in Vitro Biomaterials Testing: Surface Charge, Reactivity Upon Contact With Fluids and Protein Absorption. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018;6:60. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2018.00060.
63. B R. AFM/TEM Complementary Structural Analysis of Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles. J Phys Chem Biophys 2014;4. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0398.1000150.
64. Paul DJ. NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ENHANCING BIOAVAILABILITY THROUGH NANOCARRIER TECHNOLOGIES. JPTCP 2025:1446–1455. https://doi.org/10.53555/35jtxf68.
65. Bhatta K, Samal HB, Sarangi I, Mohapatra RK, Baral B, Pradhan MK, et al. Release Mechanism of Smart Drug Delivery, Crc; 2024, p. 77–94. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003468431-5.
66. Kumar M, Sharma A, Mahmood S, Thakur A, Mirza MA, Bhatia A. Franz diffusion cell and its implication in skin permeation studies. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology 2023;ahead-of-print:943–956. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932691.2023.2188923.
67. Farjami A, Salatin S, Jafari S, Mahmoudian M, Jelvehgari M. The Factors Determining the Skin Penetration and Cellular Uptake of Nanocarriers: New Hope for Clinical Development. CPD 2021;27:4315–4329. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612827666210810091745.
68. Vendruscolo CW, De Oliveira BE, Leonardi GR. Micro and Nanostructured Drug Release Systems for Skin Cancer Treatment. Interdisciplinary biotechnological advances, Springer Nature Singapore; 2023, p. 305–322. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-8342-9_14.
69. Elsisi R, Helal D, Mekhail G, Abou Hussein D, Osama A. Advancements in Skin Aging Treatment: Exploring Antioxidants and Nanoparticles for Enhanced Skin Permeation. Archives of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ain Shams University 2023;0:0. https://doi.org/10.21608/aps.2023.250333.1146.
70. Husni P, Eryani MC. Topical Formulation of Herbal Nanocosmetics for Anti-Aging. Indo J Pharm 2025;6:109–118. https://doi.org/10.24198/idjp.v5i2.56857.
71. Uriostegui-Pena AG, Torres-Copado A, Ochoa-Sanchez A, Luna-Bárcenas G, Sahare P, Paul S. Nanoformulated phytochemicals in skin anti-aging research: an updated mini review. 3 Biotech 2025;15:31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-024-04197-y.
72. Bhatia E, Kumari D, Sharma S, Ahamad N, Banerjee R. Nanoparticle platforms for dermal antiaging technologies: Insights in cellular and molecular mechanisms. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2021;14:e1746. https://doi.org/10.1002/wnan.1746.
73. Vinardell MP, Mitjans M. Nanocarriers for Delivery of Antioxidants on the Skin. Cosmetics 2015;2:342–354. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics2040342.
74. Schellauf F. Regulation of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products on the EU Market, Springer; 2019, p. 337–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16573-4_15.
75. Diana Megan Bowman CSE. The Challenge of Distributing Regulatory Responsibilities for Unknown Risks: ‘Nano’-Cosmetics and the EU Cosmetics Regulation as a Case Study. J Clinic Res Bioeth 2015;06. https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-9627.1000212.
76. Mangaron PJ, Tesoro FMR, Cardinal MPJ, Maceren AMM, Belardo AN, Antipuesto BC, et al. Assessment of Nanotechnological Advancements in Cosmetics: A Review. Int J Res Publ Rev 2023;4:1403–1415. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.4.823.43981.
77. Dey A, Dubey SK. Regulatory aspects, recent legal contexts, consumer protection and future perspectives of nanocosmetics, Crc; 2023, p. 349–364. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003319146-16.
78. Kim J. Smart Nanocarriers in Cosmeceuticals Through Advanced Delivery Systems. Biomimetics 2025;10:217. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040217.
79. Zhu Y, Zhao J, Tian Y. Application of AI in the Design of Novel Peptide-based Ingredients for Skincare Products. DH 2025;3:8–11. https://doi.org/10.26689/dh.v3i3.12364.
80. Abramovits W, Granowski P, Arrazola P. Applications of nanomedicine in dermatology: use of nanoparticles in various therapies and imaging. J of Cosmetic Dermatology 2010;9:154–159. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2010.00492.x.
81. Abdoh A, Imran M, Al-Smadi K, Kaur H, Ali M, Kumeria T, et al. Stimuli-responsive smart nanocarriers for skin drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2026;691:126534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126534.
82. Edriss A, Yarra S, Vomo J, Ismael K, Elshiekh Y. AI-powered nano formulation: revolutionizing drug development and delivery. Int J Sci Res Arch 2025;14:1501–1512. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2025.14.2.0491.
83. Kalyani S. Skincare Technology: How AI, 3D Printing, and Nanotechnology Improve Skin. IJSR 2025;14:802–803. https://doi.org/10.21275/mr25116115815.