Eco-Friendly Solvents for Cosmetics: Harnessing the Power of DES

Desired outcome

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) are a promising class of neoteric solvents with significant applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ability to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of active compounds make them ideal candidates for dermal formulations. This challenge focuses on identifying the most effective DES types for transdermal and topical applications, assessing their safety, and developing innovative formulations that outperform traditional solvents in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Initial Problem Description

The cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries face challenges formulating effective transdermal and topical drug delivery systems. Traditional solvents often present issues such as toxicity, poor stability, or environmental concerns. DES offers a sustainable, biocompatible, and versatile alternative, but their full potential in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals remains unexplored. This challenge aims to evaluate different DES formulations, compare them with conventional solvents, and determine their efficiency, stability, and safety in dermal applications.

Context

The demand for natural, sustainable, and highly effective skincare and pharmaceutical products is rising. DES have demonstrated superior solubility and stability for bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins. Their application in cosmetic creams, transdermal patches, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems presents a breakthrough in formulating safer, more effective products. This research will explore DES in the context of anti-aging creams, wound healing gels, and enhanced drug penetration through the skin.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

This project connects to several cross-cutting areas:
• Circularity & Sustainability: DES are eco-friendly, low-volatility solvents that reduce waste production and hazardous emissions compared to conventional solvents.
• Industry 4.0: The use of DES in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations aligns with modern manufacturing approaches that emphasize efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Input

• Current research on biocompatible DES and their potential in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
• Market trends favoring sustainable, eco-friendly skincare and transdermal drug delivery solutions.
• Case studies of successful DES applications in bioactive compound extraction and nanocarrier systems.
• Challenges in stabilizing and delivering sensitive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids) through dermal formulations.

Expectations

The challege aims to define the most suitable DES for cosmetology and pharmaceutical applications. The expected outcomes include:
• A comparative analysis of DES versus standard solvents in dermal formulations.
• Assessment of DES biocompatibility, toxicity, and stability in transdermal drug delivery.
• Deep eutectic system-based nanoparticles as drug delivery system for topical/transdermal administration.
• Development of novel DES-based formulations for topical and transdermal applications.
• A well-documented evaluation of DES’s potential in enhancing the effectiveness of skincare and pharmaceutical products.
Beyond technical solutions, teams are expected to contribute innovative approaches, sustainability considerations, and a clear commercialization strategy for DES-based formulations.

Desired Team Profile

The ideal team should have a diverse academic background and skill set, including expertise in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related fields. A strong understanding of formulation science, biocompatibility, toxicity, and transdermal drug delivery would be beneficial. Additionally, experience with experimental design, analytical techniques, and innovation in cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications will support the successful development of novel DES-based solutions. An interdisciplinary approach, including sustainability and digital modeling, is encouraged.

Additional Information

Teams will engage in collaborative efforts across various disciplines and geographical boundaries, employing digital communication tools to disseminate research findings. The primary objective will be to conduct a creative and comprehensive analysis of strategies to enhance the evaluation and innovation of DES in skincare formulations.

Related Keywords

• Care, Hygiene, Beauty, Cosmetics
• Pharmaceutics
• Ecology
• Micro- and Nanotechnology