A protected lutein for innovative cosmetics.

Lutein, as many other antioxidants, is a very unstable molecule. Therefore, to be able to improve its physical and chemical stability and the possibility to introduce it inside a cosmetic formulation, its incorporation in micro- or nano- carriers is necessary. Inorder to have a large spectrum of use, we have studied both lipophilic and hydrophilic nano and microsystems. To ceck if it could be better to use nano or microencapsulations, we have realized liposomes and lipospheres, as to lipophilic delivery systems. In parallel, we have used cyclodextrin and developed a new polymeric matrix to deliver lutein in hydrophilic carrier. From these experiments we have been able to demonstrate that these carrier systems allow a better formulation of lutein, improving its stability and its availability.