Omega-hydroxyceramides (ω-OH-Cer) play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of skin barrier. ω-OH-Cer are the primary lipid constituents of the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE) covalently attached to the outer surface of the cornified envelope linked to involucrin to become bound form lipids in stratum corneum (SC). CLE becomes a hydrophobic impermeable layer of matured corneocyte preventing loss of natural moisturizing factor inside the corneocytes. More importantly, CLE may also play an important role in the formation of proper orientation of intercellular lipid lamellar structure by interdigitating with the intercellular lipids in a comb-like fashion. Abnormal barrier conditions associated with atopic dermatitis but also UVB-irradiated skins are known to have lowered level of bound lipids, especially ω-OH-Cer, which indicate that ω-OH-Cer play an important role in maintaining the integrity of skin barrier. In this study, protective effects of a novel synthetic C16 omega-hydroxyphytoceramides (ω-OH-phytoceramide) on skin barrier function were investigated. Epidermal barrier disruption was induced by UVB irradiation, tape-stripping in hairless mouse and human skin. Protective effect of damaged epidermis was evaluated using the measurement of transepidermal water loss and cohesion of SC. Increased keratinocyte differentiation was verified using cultured keratinocyte through western blot. Results clearly demonstrated that a synthetic C16 ω-OH-phytoceramide enhanced the integrity of SC and accelerated the recovery of damaged skin barrier function by stimulating differentiation process. In a conclusion, a synthetic C16 ω-OH-phytoceramide treatment improved epidermal homeostasis in several disrupted conditions.

Micelles, which are called solubilization formulation, have been widely used in skin lotion, mist or various formulations for the purpose of solubilizing the fragrance rather than the role of the active ingredient carrier because the particles are very small. In this study, we developed the swollen micelle having a transparent appearance to deliver β-sitosterol. When preparing the swollen micelle, solubility parameter was considered with active ingredient. This method allowed insoluble active ingredient to be safely entrapped inside the micelles. Stability of micelle was evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The transparency and shape of the micelles were confirmed by cryo-TEM. In addition, through the thermal analysis using DSC, β-sitosterol was found to be stably present in the swollen micelles. These results indicate that swollen micelles considered solubility parameter could be used as a new carrier for the insoluble active ingredients.