Introducing

SalSphere®

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.

Purpose

These lipid-based microspheres facilitate skin deposition and slow release. For example, SalSphere® with Salicylic Acid (BHA) is used effectively to suspend Salicylic Acid in water and for skin exfoliation, even for sensitive skin, reduction of excess sebum,  and delivering antiseptic properties.  Spheres with relatively smaller particles can enhance the efficacy of encapsulated active ingredients by reaching the lower layers of the epidermis, where they are needed the most.   

Overall, SalSphere allows slow release and reduces the impact of applying all the payload at once on the skin.

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.

Mechanism

Three main conditions can trigger the release of actives from SalSpheres®. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZaWwpf132Q

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.   It's possible to design and manufacture a system to trigger the release at a predetermined temperature.   

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.   

SalSphere® can help overcome compatibility issues that insoluble actives might have with the base formulation. Formulators can create a stable and uniform product by encapsulating the active ingredient without worrying about potential ingredient separation or inconsistencies.

  1. 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. Many consumers have sensitive skin and thus can’t use traditional but effective exfoliating agents, such as Acids (i.e., AHA, BHA).  SalSphere® technology allows treating the skin with the full dosage but releasing it in small doses over a longer time. The slow release enables the skin to buffer the acid and reduce the signs of irritation.  

  1. 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 of the skin and the mechanisms of these active ingredients. 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: Many anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids and peptides, stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that provides firmness and elasticity to the skin. These ingredients need to reach the dermal layer, where collagen synthesis takes place.

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. These antioxidants must penetrate the skin to neutralize harmful molecules deep within the skin layers.

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. These ingredients must penetrate the skin's outer layer to provide moisture and support barrier repair.

Reducing Inflammation: Some active ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness associated with aging. These ingredients need to reach the inflamed areas in the deeper skin layers.

  1. Repair and maintain younger-looking:

Several SalSphere® products are designed to repair and maintain younger-looking skin while improving barrier properties and water retention. The design involves careful formulation to incorporate the right active ingredients and encapsulation techniques. : 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 are essential skin barrier components that help retain moisture and protect against environmental damage.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: A hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains water in the skin, promoting plumpness and moisture retention.
  • Peptides: Certain peptides can stimulate collagen production, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  • Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve texture, and reduce redness.
  • Omega Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 help maintain the skin's lipid barrier and overall health.

The active ingredients are encapsulated to ensure effective delivery and stability of these active ingredients.

  1. 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® allows for controlled and sustained release of active ingredients over time. Instead of delivering all the active ingredients simultaneously, encapsulated products gradually release their contents. This controlled release ensures that the skin receives a consistent supply of active ingredients, extending their benefits over an extended period.

Extended Efficacy: Active ingredients in skincare products often have a limited lifespan due to exposure to air, light, and temperature.  SalSphere® encapsulation protects these ingredients from degradation, allowing them to maintain their efficacy for longer periods. As a result, the product can continue providing benefits over time without losing potency.

Targeted Delivery: SalSphere® microspheres allow for precise targeting of active ingredients to specific layers of the skin where they are needed most. This targeted delivery ensures that the encapsulated ingredients reach their intended destinations, enhancing their effectiveness and allowing for continuous treatment of specific skin concerns.

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, minimizing the risk of skin sensitivity while still providing consistent treatment.

Convenience: Encapsulated products can reduce the need for frequent reapplication. Users can apply the product less often due to its sustained release mechanism, making it more convenient for busy individuals to maintain their skincare regimen.

Customized Formulations: SalSphere® encapsulation allows for combining multiple active ingredients with different release profiles in a single product. This enables the creation of customized formulations that address various skin concerns simultaneously, providing comprehensive and continuous treatment.

 

  1. 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.   The microspheres can combine various functional ingredients in a single SalSphere® to produce immediate sensory effects and extended cosmetic benefits.  Products like SalSphere® Aqua Skin use Algae and Glycerin to provide an immediate hydration feel while activating the AquaPorin mechanism for longer-lasting hydration.  Another example, SalSphere® Anti-aging Lift, fosters a tightening sensory effect while releasing collagen-boosting peptides to facilitate a longer-lasting impact.

  1.  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. This enables you to create customized formulations that target multiple skin concerns simultaneously, providing a comprehensive solution for your customers.

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. This targeted approach ensures that your products address particular skincare issues effectively, setting your signature products apart from generic alternatives.

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. Whether it's a lack of effective barrier repair solutions or unique delivery methods for sensitive skin, you can tailor your signature products accordingly.

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. This exclusivity can attract consumers looking for effective and distinctive skincare solutions.

9. Signature Ingredients: Select signature active ingredients that resonate with your brand's ethos and expertise. Encapsulate these ingredients in SalSphere® to ensure their potency and effectiveness in your formulations.

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. Consistency and efficacy build trust and encourage repeat purchases.