Astragaloside IV and ceramide IIIB co-modified ferulic acid ethosomes: a promising novel approach for skin anti-aging

Ferulic acid (FA) has multiple anti-aging functions but is limited by poor solubility, low bioavailability, and unclear mechanism in skincare. To overcome these challenges, we have developed ferulic acid ethosomes (FA-ES) co-modified with astragaloside IV and ceramide IIIB. Stability of FA-ES was confirmed through physicochemical characterization and molecular dynamics simulations. Comparative studies in zebrafish models showed FA-ES significantly reduced embryonic toxicity and β-galactosidase activity, improved skin hydration, repair capabilities, and antioxidant effects. In C. elegans models, FA-ES increased transdermal absorption efficiency, extended lifespan, enhanced reproductive capacity, reduced lipofuscin accumulation, and improved resistance to oxidative stress and high-temperature conditions. Overall, FA-ES addresses FA's solubility and bioavailability issues and offers superior skin anti-aging effects, making it a promising transdermal formulation platform for cosmetics.