SalSphere®
Sub-micron spheres are typically used to stabilize ingredients, suspend active ingredients in water, and enable flawless formulation and cost-effective production.
Purpose & Key Features of SalSphere® Systems
Sub-micron spheres (1-3 microns) are typically used to stabilize ingredients, suspend active ingredients in water, and enable flawless formulation and cost-effective production. SalSphere® technology is a solution for many natural extracts that are sensitive to oxidation, tend to change color, degrade over time, and generally are not water-soluble.
SalSphere® Structure
Micro suspension of solid spheres, structured with a core and a shell. The core is solid and made of a hydrophobic blend of materials, and a hydrophilic coating surrounds the core. The core functions as a reservoir for the encapsulated active. The spheres are suspended in water to form a homogeneous suspension.
The hydrophobic core is typically made of natural ingredients, such as waxes and lipids. The core composition varies from product to product; it’s optimized to offer high compatibility between the core and active, optimal payload, and meet the required release characteristics.
The hydrophilic shell prompts the suspension of the SalSphere® microspheres in water. The charge of the shell may be cationic or non-ionic. The hydrophobic properties of the core, combined with cationic surface charge, can further enhance the adhesion of the microspheres to skin or hair.
SalSphere® Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
Three main conditions can trigger the release of actives from SalSpheres®.
1) Gentle rubbing of the skin. The lipid core can dissolve into the skin's lipid domains and slowly discharges the load.
2) Heat. Exposure of the spheres to an external heat source, typically at a temperature above the spheres’ melting point (i.e., hair styling and drying equipment, such as air blower, curling, and ironing), can melt the core and trigger the release.
3) Skin proteolytic enzymes.
In certain cases (i.e., Acne), there is an elevated activity of endogenous proteolytic enzymes, such as protease, lipase, etc. The activity of these enzymes is a natural response in case of inflammation. These enzymes can trigger the release of active therapeutic from SalSphere® microspheres at the location (i.e., inflamed pimples), resulting in localized release. The proteolytic enzymes can digest the core, made with lipids and proteins, and cause erosion of the core while releasing the payload.
Examples of Applications
1. Enable formulation.
SalSphere® encapsulation is a technique used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to enable the effective delivery of insoluble or poorly soluble active ingredients into the skin. Insoluble ingredients do not easily dissolve in water or other solvents. Encapsulation helps improve the stability, bioavailability and targeted delivery of these ingredients.
2. Reduce irritation by slow, time-release.
SalSphere® microspheres are designed to release their contents at specific locations within the skin. This targeted delivery can help ensure that the active ingredient reaches the layers most needed for its intended effect, such as stimulating collagen production or addressing inflammation. SalSphere® technology delivers the full dosage gradually over time, allowing the skin to buffer acids and minimize irritation
3. Accelerate anti-aging processes.
The penetration of active ingredients into the skin is effective for anti-aging due to several reasons related to the physiological processes. The key factors:
Targeting the Source of Aging: Active ingredients in anti-aging products are formulated to address specific causes of aging, such as collagen breakdown, oxidative stress, and reduced cell turnover. For these ingredients to work effectively, they need to penetrate the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and reach the deeper layers (dermis) where these aging processes occur.
Stimulation of Collagen Production: Collagen is a structural protein that provides firmness and elasticity to the skin.
Repairing DNA and Cellular Damage: Some active ingredients, such as antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E), help protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress that damage DNA and cellular structures.
Enhancing Cell Turnover: Active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) promote the turnover of new, healthy cells. For these ingredients to work effectively, they must penetrate the skin and reach the basal layer, where new cells are formed.
Moisturization and Barrier Repair: Ceramides are often used in anti-aging products to improve skin hydration and strengthen the skin's barrier function.
Reducing Inflammation: Some active ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness associated with aging.
4. Repair and maintain younger-looking:
Several SalSphere® products are designed to repair and maintain younger-looking skin while improving barrier properties and water retention. Salvona’s selection of active ingredients that are known for their ability to repair and maintain skin, enhance the skin barrier, and improve water retention. Some examples include:
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Peptides
- Niacinamide
- Omega Fatty Acids
The active ingredients are encapsulated to ensure effective delivery and stability of these active ingredients.
5. Continuous treatment
SalSphere® based products play a significant role in providing continuous and prolonged skin treatment benefits. Here's how SalSphere helps achieve this:
Sustained Release: SalSphere® enables controlled and sustained release of active ingredients, gradually delivering their contents over time.
Extended Efficacy: SalSphere® encapsulation extends the lifespan of skincare active ingredients by shielding them from degradation caused by air, light, and temperature exposure, ensuring prolonged efficacy.
Targeted Delivery: SalSphere® microspheres allow for precise targeting of active ingredients to specific layers of the skin where they are needed most.
Reduced Irritation: Some potent active ingredients can irritate when applied in high concentrations. SalSphere® can help mitigate this issue by gradually releasing the active ingredients in lower concentrations.
Convenience: Encapsulated products can reduce the need for frequent reapplication
Customized Formulations: SalSphere® encapsulation allows for combining multiple active ingredients with different release profiles in a single product.
6. Induce instant and long-lasting benefits.
SalSphere® encapsulation technology can potentially deliver instant and long-lasting benefits in skincare products. This dual capability is one of the strengths of Salvona’s encapsulation methods, allowing for a versatile approach to addressing various skin concerns.
Create your signature product.
SalSphere® encapsulation technology provides a unique opportunity to create signature skincare products that stand out in the market. By utilizing SalSphere® technology-based products, one can offer innovative and effective formulations that cater to specific skincare needs. Here's how the SalSphere® platform enables to create signature skincare products:
1. Customized Formulations: Encapsulation allows you to combine a variety of active ingredients with different properties in a single product.
2. Targeted Treatments: With encapsulation, you can design products that deliver active ingredients directly to the specific layers of the skin where they're needed most.
3. Innovative Delivery Systems: Encapsulation technology allows creative and novel delivery systems. These innovative approaches not only enhance the effectiveness of your products, but also differentiate them in the market.
4. Dual-Action Products: You can create dual-action products that offer instant visible, sensory effects and long-term benefits. For example, a signature product could provide immediate hydration, cooling, tingling, and color change while promoting collagen production for lasting anti-aging effects.
5. Address Unmet Needs: Identify gaps in the skincare market or unmet needs among consumers and design encapsulated products that specifically address these concerns.
6. Brand Identity: Encapsulation can become a defining aspect of your brand's identity. Highlight your use of cutting-edge technology and scientific innovation to create products that truly deliver results.
7. Differentiation and Exclusivity: Encapsulated products can set your brand apart from competitors by offering unique formulations that deliver results others might not achieve.
9. Signature Ingredients: Select signature active ingredients that resonate with your brand's ethos and expertise.
10. Building Trust and Loyalty: When customers experience real results from your signature encapsulated products, they're more likely to become loyal to your brand.