Electrospun cellulose acetate/polyvinylpyrrolidone fiber mats as potential cosmetic under-eye masks for caffeine delivery

Cosmetic products for skin aging including infraorbital dark circles are getting popular. Caffeine incorporation into beauty skin masks is beneficial for this concern but the topical delivery of caffeine via this formulation remains deficient. This study aims to investigate cellulose acetate (CA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90 (PVP) electrospun fiber mats for delivering caffeine to the skin as an under-eye mask. Polymer blends (7:3, 1:1 and 3:7) were first determined before loading with 5, 10 and 12.5%w/w caffeine. The electrospun fiber mats were evaluated for physicochemical properties, ex vivo skin adhesion, in vitro drug release, skin permeation and skin irritation. The polymer ratio at 7:3 was determined to be suitable (fiber diameter: -500 nm) due to its high flexibility and low tendency to absorb moisture. The loading of caffeine reduced the fiber diameter but increased the mechanical strength and flexibility saved for the highest drug loading, due to the drug-polymer interactions proven in FTIR and DSC analyses. A burst drug release for 5%w/w in the first 2 min was probably due to drug amorphicity while smaller fiber diameter and shorter diffusional pathlength contributed to a higher drug release of -85% at 24 h for 12.5%w/w. Both high drug loadings (10 and 12.5%w/w) showed similar skin permeation up to 6 h before the 12.5%w/w sample surpassed the 10%w/w sample. All mats showed no irritation in HET-CAM assay (irritation score = 0). In conclusion, the CA/PVP electrospun fiber mat at 10%w/w caffeine is a nonirritating cosmetic under-eye mask for delivering caffeine.

Automated summary

The study investigates the use of cellulose acetate (CA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90 (PVP) electrospun fiber mats for delivering caffeine to the skin as an under-eye mask. The mats exhibit suitable physicochemical properties, non-irritating characteristics, and effective drug release and skin permeation.