As demand for natural, functional, and science-backed products grows, so does the need for smarter delivery solutions. Nutraceuticals often suffer from poor absorption, while cosmetics face challenges in stability and skin penetration. Nanotechnology provides a bridge—delivering active ingredients with greater precision and efficiency, improving clinical outcomes and consumer satisfaction.

Nutraceuticals and the bioavailability problem

Nutraceuticals—dietary supplements and functional foods—are typically formulated with plant extracts, peptides, vitamins, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Many of these compounds are poorly water-soluble, unstable in the digestive tract, or rapidly metabolized before reaching their target. This limits their bioavailability, reducing clinical effectiveness despite high dosages.

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems—including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanocarriers—can dramatically improve the bioavailability of nutraceuticals. By encapsulating the active compounds, nanoparticles protect them from degradation, facilitate intestinal absorption, and enable controlled release.

Lipid nanoparticles, in particular, are gaining popularity for oral delivery of lipophilic compounds like curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin D. Their small size allows for efficient transport across intestinal barriers, while their composition enhances solubility and stability under gastric conditions.

These innovations don’t just improve the scientific performance of supplements—they also help manufacturers reduce dosage requirements, improve product consistency, and meet consumer demands for cleaner, smarter formulations.

Cosmetic and skin delivery: the rise of nanocarriers

In the cosmetic sector, the efficacy of active ingredients often hinges on their ability to penetrate the skin’s outer layers. Traditional formulations can leave potent antioxidants or peptides sitting on the skin’s surface, offering limited benefit. Nanocarriers, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and nanoemulsions, are now widely used to overcome these barriers.

These delivery systems enhance skin permeation, protect sensitive molecules from UV degradation or oxidation, and enable targeted delivery to deeper skin layers. Common applications include:

• Anti-aging products with encapsulated retinol or peptides.
• Whitening and antioxidant serums with nanoencapsulated vitamin C and resveratrol.
• Anti-acne formulations using LNPs to deliver anti-inflammatory actives.
• Sunscreens using nanoparticles to improve SPF performance and stability.

Nanoparticles also improve cosmetic textures and aesthetics, enabling lighter formulations that spread better and leave no residue—an important consumer preference.

Safety and regulatory considerations

As these innovations move closer to the consumer, safety and regulatory oversight become critical. While nanocarriers are generally regarded as safe when composed of biocompatible lipids or food-grade polymers, their behavior in vivo must be thoroughly understood.

In nutraceuticals, regulatory frameworks vary by region. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US FDA have issued guidance on nanomaterials, but classification remains complex, especially when defining novel ingredients. In cosmetics, the EU requires labelling of nanomaterials and mandates safety assessment. Transparency and traceability are key as consumers become more informed.

For companies working in this space, it’s essential to collaborate with partners who understand both the formulation and regulatory landscapes. Choosing the right nanocarrier system—one that’s scalable, well-characterized, and aligned with global standards—makes all the difference in a product’s success.

One important consideration is particle size, as it strongly influences absorption, efficacy, and regulatory classification. Depending on the intended use, formulations can be developed with smaller particles or with larger particles (>200 nm) to achieve localized effects, controlled release, or enhanced stability on the skin’s surface or in the gastrointestinal tract. This size flexibility allows developers to align the formulation not only with performance goals, but also with regional regulatory frameworks, which may vary in how they define or label nanomaterials. Careful control over particle size and polydispersity is therefore key to optimizing both safety and functional delivery

Where DIVERSA Technologies fits in

At DIVERSA, we bring our deep expertise in lipid systems to support innovators in nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Our technologies are designed with:

• Biocompatible and biodegradable materials suitable for oral and topical use.
• Proven encapsulation efficiency for a wide range of active compounds.
• Scalable production for both research and commercial manufacturing.

By translating principles from pharmaceutical nanomedicine to consumer health, we empower companies to develop products that truly deliver on their promise—whether it’s a supplement for metabolic health or a serum for sensitive skin..

Conclusion

The future of wellness and beauty lies at the intersection of science and nature—and nanotechnology is the catalyst. By enabling smarter, more efficient delivery of bioactive ingredients, nanoparticles are reshaping how we consume, apply, and benefit from functional compounds.

In both nutraceuticals and cosmetics, the challenge is no longer just about what ingredients are used—but how effectively they reach their target. With next-generation nanocarriers, companies can go beyond traditional limits, creating products that are safer, more effective, and aligned with the expectations of today’s consumers.

Visit www.diversatechnologies.com or send an email to info@diversatechnologies.com to explore our solutions.

References

Internal References

1. Nanoparticles in Gene Therapy: A superior alternative to conventional transfection reagents
2. Nanotechnology in Protein Therapeutics: Advancing drug discovery and delivery
3. Peptide applications in Biomedicine: Harnessing the powe of Nanotechnology
4. Small molecules: towards clinical development

External References

1. Müller, R. H., Petersen, R. D., Hommoss, A., & Pardeike, J. (2007). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) in cosmetic dermal products. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 59(6), 522-530.
2. Prieto, C., & Lagaron, J. M. (2024). Nanoencapsulation and nanocoating of bioactives of application interest in food, nutraceuticals and pharma. Nanomaterials, 14(3), 313.
3. Assadpour, E., & Mahdi Jafari, S. (2019). A systematic review on nanoencapsulation of food bioactive ingredients and nutraceuticals by various nanocarriers. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(19), 3129-3151.
4. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (EU).