Development of rutin-loaded cerosomes for topical photoprotection and skin barrier modulation

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare DNA-repair disorder associated with extreme photosensitivity, high skin cancer risk, progressive xerosis and barrier dysfunction. Current management relies largely on strict photoprotection, which does not address impaired hydration and epidermal barrier integrity. This work developed cerosomes (ceramide-containing vesicular systems) as multifunctional topical carriers combining barrier-replenishing ceramides with rutin as an antioxidant/photoprotective agent. Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize rutin-loaded cerosomes by evaluating phospholipid concentration, Tween®80:phospholipid ratio and ceramide concentration on the physicochemical properties. The optimized Tween® 80 formulation showed suitable attributes for topical delivery, with vesicle size