Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

Herein, we report on a polarity-induced ceramide liposome system (PICL) that can inhibit the ceramide recrystallization and enhance the skin delivery of active materials. This is likely due to the synergistic effects of oleic acid, ceramide, and lecithin, which disrupt the stratum corneum lipid structure, increase membrane fluidity, and promote permeability. To achieve this, we fabricated a system consisting of ceramide and oleic acid, where thermotropic phase transitions induced by temperature variations imparted partial charges to ceramides, thereby enhancing polarity-induced intermolecular association with oleic acid. We demonstrated excellent long-term stability, maintaining their structure without ceramide recrystallization even under harsh conditions like high temperatures. In vitro skin penetration studies confirmed that PICL effectively interacted with the stratum corneum, thereby enhancing skin permeability. Based on the superior skin permeability of PICL, both in vitro and clinical studies further demonstrated significantly improved delivery of active materials into the skin. Moreover, clinical efficacy tests of active material-encapsulated PICLs showed effectiveness in improving skin brightening and reducing the depth of periorbital wrinkles. Therefore, our PICL, with a robust molecular layer, offers various applications in a wide range of fields, including dermatology and functional cosmetics.

BACKGROUND: Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) is increasingly popular, yet research has largely focused on labia size while neglecting the estrogen-related color and quality of genital skin. Evidence from facial attractiveness studies and comparative primatology suggests that genital skin perfusion and smoothness may contribute to perceived attractiveness. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether vulvar skin perfusion and smoothness predict perceived genital attractiveness and compared its impact with that of labia size and volume. METHODS: A standardized image database of 1,080 vulvar images from healthy women was analyzed for morphometric and colorimetric features. Representative images (n = 360) were digitally manipulated to vary skin perfusion (measured as a* value). Attractiveness judgments were obtained from 159 Polish adults (45 men, 114 women; mean age = 26.7) in 40,991 forced-choice paired comparisons. Bradley-Terry models estimated latent attractiveness scores. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) tested chromatic manipulations, and hierarchical regression identified predictors across colorimetric, morphological, and demographic factors. RESULTS: Enhanced vulvar skin perfusion significantly increased attractiveness relative to natural and reduced skin perfusion (p < .001, ηp² = .17). The regression models explained 59% of the variance. Positive predictors included skin redness, greater apparent labia majora volume, and smooth skin texture. The negative predictors were increased labia minora visibility, skin wrinkling/atrophy, the presence of a supralabial crease, lower skin ligthtness, greater skin yellowness, and model age. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived genital attractiveness is shaped by both chromatic and morphological features, with vulvar skin perfusion and texture emerging as important determinants. These findings suggest that FGCS planning should look beyond labiaplasty alone, incorporating interventions targeting skin color and quality.

Oxybenzone (2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, OBZ) is an organic ultraviolet filter extensively used in sunscreens and cosmetics, and has become a pervasive contaminant in aquatic environments. While its endocrine-disrupting properties and adverse reproductive effects are recognized, potential impacts on oocyte mitochondrial physiology remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated whether melatonin (MT), a pineal-derived antioxidant that regulates mitochondrial dynamics, can counteract OBZ-induced oocyte damage. Key indicators were evaluated in both in vivo and in vitro models, including mitochondrial dynamics, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, distribution and membrane potential (ΔΨm), electron transport chain (ETC) gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and spindle organization. MT supplementation restored mitochondrial homeostasis by promoting fusion gene expression (Mfn1/2, Opa1) and suppressing fission genes (Drp1, Fis1, Mff), while reducing OBZ-induced cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload. These protective effects reversed OBZ-related abnormalities such as disrupted mitochondrial distribution, spindle disorganization, decreased ΔΨm, downregulated ETC genes, and pronounced oxidative stress characterized by elevated ROS and diminished GSH. Microtranscriptomic analysis further suggested involvement of enhanced Ca²⁺ signaling and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling in MT-mediated oocyte protection. Overall, our findings indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical component of OBZ-induced oocyte impairment, and support MT as a potential intervention to preserve oocyte quality under environmental toxicant exposure.