Stabilization and application of liposomal structures containing sphingomyelin

Cosmetic products with high affinity to the skin have been recently studied, applying liposome and nano-sized capsules formed by amphiphiles such as lecithin and other lipids to them. Sphingolipid, based on the sphingosine framework among the said lipids, is one of new bio-lipids which have begun to be studied in terms of physicochemical/biological properties and applicabilities. Sphingomyelin is known as a representative sphingophospholipid. In this study, we tried to use this sphingomyelin as a cosmetic ingredient, particularly for a liposomal formula consisting of the sphingomyelin. As a result, it was found that its barrier (occlusive) ability against water evaporation was superior to that of lecithin as a representative glycerophospholipid, due to a higher rigidity in the bilayer membrane of the liposome. Therefore, it is expected that sphingomyelin will show a complementary effect for damaged intercellular lipid structures of the stratum corneum when it is applied to skin care products. In addition, it was demonstrated that a skin care product with sphingomyelin had a high moisturizing/emollient ability and an improvement effect on existing wrinkles.