Lipid nanoparticles-based semisolid formulations for cosmetic applications: focus on cellulite

For thousands of years, the representation of the female body has praised voluptuous forms and cellulite, which was considered as a sign of health, social status, and sex appeal. This esthetic culture delayed studies on cellulite, which only later proved to be a major problem. Cellulite is defined as a metabolic disorder of the subcutaneous tissue, which causes changes in the shape of the female body. It presents itself as a change in the topography of the skin, evident by undulations and nodules, caused by a herniation of subcutaneous fat in the fibrous connective tissue, leading to the “orange peel” aspect. Given the importance currently attributed to cellulite as an esthetic problem, the high consumption of cosmetics and the constant research and development of new formulas are justified. The cutaneous route is a very attractive and accessible route of administration for the application of pharmacologically active substances. However, this route is highly selective in relation to the active substances that are able to passively diffuse through the stratum corneum. As the anticellulite products currently on the market have some restrictions, this is believed to be a promising area in the development of new systems. Over the past 20 years, attention to the use of lipid vectors in the field of cosmetics has increased.