ANNALISA CUTRIGNELLI, ANGELA LOPEDOTA, VALENTINO LAQUINTANA, MASSIMO FRANCO, NUNZIO DENORA*
*Corresponding author
Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”,
Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy

Abstract

Cyclodextrins, cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of α-(1,4) linked D(+)-glucopyranose units with a relatively hydrophobic central cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface, can be considered as a new class of auxiliary substances for the cosmetic industry. Indeed, many different cosmetics formulated with cyclodextrins are already on the market and the number of patents dealing with cyclodextrins in cosmetic applications is increasing. 

In this review, after a brief introduction describing the main characteristics and properties of these cyclic oligosaccharides, some examples of cosmetic ingredients that have been successfully complexed with cyclodextrins will be presented,  highlighting the benefits brought by this new excipient in this field.

INTRODUCTION

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are water-soluble, cyclic, non-reducing oligosaccharides consisting of six ( α -CD), seven ( β -CD), eight ( γ -CD) or more glucopyranose units linked by α -(1,4) bonds (Figure 1A) (1,2). They are also known as cycloamyloses, cyclomaltoses and Schardinger dextrins and originate from the degradation of starch by means of α