Preclinical Study Demonstrates Enhanced Skin Penetration of Natural Collagen

A newly developed ginsenoside Rh2-based liposomal delivery system significantly improved the transdermal penetration of natural collagen and demonstrated skin-rejuvenating effects in a preclinical model of photoaging, according to research published online ahead of print in Langmuir.

Liposomal Delivery May Address Longstanding Collagen Penetration Challenges

Exogenous collagen supplementation has long been explored as an approach to address skin aging, a process characterized in part by the progressive degradation of endogenous collagen. However, the large molecular size of collagen has limited its ability to penetrate the skin barrier effectively.

To overcome this challenge, investigators developed a noninvasive transdermal delivery platform, termed Rh2-CLs, that incorporates natural collagen into a novel ginsenoside Rh2-based liposomal formulation. In permeability testing, collagen encapsulated within the optimized liposomes achieved more than a fourfold increase in transdermal delivery efficiency compared with free collagen.

The researchers also evaluated whether the formulation altered collagen structure. Circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated preservation of the collagen triple-helix, suggesting that encapsulation did not compromise its biological integrity.

In a photoaged mouse model, topical Rh2-CL treatment was associated with reductions in skin wrinkling and improvements in skin elasticity. Histologic analyses further showed attenuation of UV-induced skin damage and evidence of collagen supplementation and regeneration, which contributed to restoration of skin architecture and function.

The study was limited by its preclinical design, and the findings have not yet been validated in human subjects. Additional clinical investigations will be needed to determine safety, efficacy, durability of response, and potential applications in aesthetic and regenerative dermatology.

“In summary, the ginsenoside Rh2-based liposome platform offers a safe, efficient, and noninvasive strategy for transdermal collagen delivery, demonstrating considerable potential for applications in skin regeneration and cosmetic dermatology,” the authors wrote.

Source

Breaching the Skin Barrier: Efficient Transdermal Delivery of Natural Collagen for Aging Skin Rejuvenation. Langmuir. Published online June 5, 2026. doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00060.