Abstract:

The research and development（R&D）of cosmetics is undergoing a significant shift from traditional ingredient layering toward efficacy-oriented approaches. However, the low skin bioavailability of active ingredients remains a key limiting factor for product effectiveness. This article proposes viewing cosmetic R&D as a skin nutrition system engineering centered on precise targeted delivery, aiming to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge from skin physiology, nutrition, materials science, and pharmacology to systematically address the delivery challenges of active ingredients from formulations to targeted skin cells. First, this review describes the rationale and skin requirements for external active ingredient supplementation under conditions of aging and environmental stress. Second, it analyzes how the structure and function of the skin barrier govern delivery efficiency, along with the corresponding physicochemical mechanisms. Furthermore, it systematically elaborates on advanced delivery technologies, such as liposomes, polymeric nanocarriers, and exosomes, in overcoming barrier limitations to achieve controlled release and targeted delivery. Finally, the potential application of this system engineering strategy in cosmetics for precise skin nutrition supplementation is demonstrated through a composite nutritional intervention strategy for periorbital anti-aging, as well as a synergistic regulatory strategy for sebum secretion and barrier function in the facial T-zone. In conclusion, a system engineering-oriented R&D strategy provides a theoretical framework for developing biologically meaningful, efficacy-driven cosmetics, driving the advancement of cosmetic science towards greater precision and efficiency.

Key words: skin nutrition, targeted delivery, systems engineering, cosmetics research and development