Electrospun fibers as cosmetic carriers: A systematic review of formulation components and clinical evidence.

Abstract

Cosmetic electrospun fibers have emerged as an innovative skincare delivery platform, attracting growing research interest due to their structural tunability, functional versatility, and scalability for industrial production. Despite extensive research into formulation design for improved active delivery, the evidence linking formulation parameters to cosmetic efficacy remains fragmented and inconclusive. This systematic review critically assesses the influence of electrospun fiber formulations on active ingredient release, skin permeation, and clinical dermatological efficacy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase^®, and Scopus^® databases from inception to June 2024 using predefined keywords, while study selection, screening and data extraction were performed using Covidence^®. The findings demonstrated that electrospinning configurations and formulation parameters, particularly polymer selection, polymer blending strategies, and the nature of incorporated active substances, play decisive roles in determining fiber morphology, dissolution, and release behaviors. Fibers composed of single hydrophilic polymers were well suited for rapid or immediate release applications, whereas hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer blends enabled sustained delivery profiles such as those required for overnight facial masks. Across in vitro and ex vivo studies, electrospun fibers consistently enhanced the skin permeation of active compounds. Importantly, available clinical trials, although limited in number, provided emerging evidence of their practical efficacy, with reported improvements primarily in skin hydration and elasticity. Collectively, these findings underscore the promise of electrospun fibers as a reliable and effective cosmetic delivery platform that supports evidence-based skincare innovation while aligning with broader objectives of promoting skin health, product safety, and consumer well-being in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 3.