TLDR The new cream with N-acetyl glucosamine didn't change skin color after 8 weeks.
The study developed a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) for the topical application of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAGA) to address hyperpigmentation. NAGA, which inhibits melanin synthesis, was successfully incorporated into NLCs using a hot homogenization technique. The optimized NLCs had a particle size of 190 nm, a loading capacity of 9%, and released over 90% of NAGA within 6 hours. In vivo tests on human volunteers showed a considerable decline in melanin distribution with NAGA-loaded NLCs, but after 8 weeks, there was no significant difference in skin melanin density compared to controls. The study suggests that future research with more participants and a longer treatment duration might be more conclusive. The research was funded by the Drug Applied Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and was part of a Pharm.D. thesis, with ethical approval from the Research Ethical Committee of the same institution.
128 citations
,
March 2016 in “Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin” Smaller nanoparticles penetrate skin better, especially through hair follicles.
71 citations
,
March 2016 in “PubMed” Smaller particles improve drug delivery through the skin.
30 citations
,
November 2015 in “Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin” Nanoethosomes can improve the skin penetration of Lidocaine for topical use.
63 citations
,
November 2015 in “Pharmaceutical Sciences” Nanophytosomes can improve the delivery and effectiveness of herbal medicines like Rutin.
42 citations
,
July 2015 in “Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy” Flutamide, delivered by solid lipid nanoparticles, could potentially treat hair loss.
263 citations
,
February 2011 in “Journal of Controlled Release” Medium-sized particles penetrate hair follicles better than smaller or larger ones, which could improve delivery of skin treatments.
February 2024 in “International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research” Nanostructured lipid carriers are effective for treating hyperpigmentation in women aged 30-40.
Microneedle technology is effective for skin rejuvenation and enhancing cosmeceutical delivery, with ongoing innovation and increasing commercialization.
September 2025 in “Pharmaceutics” Combining plant extracts with nanotechnology may improve hair loss treatments.
12 citations
,
January 2023 in “AAPS PharmSciTech” 
33 citations
,
July 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Nanocarrier technology in cosmetics improves ingredient delivery and effectiveness while reducing side effects.
