Bicosome® FS

Ingredients: Lecithin, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, and Lysolecithin

Structure and Composition:
Bicosome® FS is composed of three main natural soy-derived lipids:

• Lecithin (5–10%) – a phospholipid with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail that can form bilayer structures

• Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine (1–10%) – a hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine with higher stability than standard lecithin

• Lysolecithin (1–10%) – a form of lecithin with a single fatty acid chain, conical in shape, and essential for forming discoidal structures

These three lipids are arranged using Bicosome® Technology, which creates a special dual structure:

• Outer Lipidic Vesicle – fuses with the outermost skin layer

• Internal Discoidal Structures – disc-shaped structures that penetrate between cells

Mechanisms of Action

1. Penetration into the Stratum Corneum
Upon application, the outer vesicle of Bicosome® FS fuses with the skin’s outermost layer, while the internal discoidal structures penetrate through intercellular spaces into the mid-stratum corneum. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with deuterium-labeled lipids confirmed that Bicosome® FS distributes into the middle region of the stratum corneum (approximately 1–2 mm deep).

2. Refilling Effect – Filling Intercellular Spaces
The internal discoidal structures, containing bilayer-forming lipids, fill the inter-corneocyte spaces within the extracellular matrix, increasing the compactness and structural density of the skin.

3. Improvement of Skin Lipid Organization
GISAXS (Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-Ray Scattering) tests showed that skin treated with Bicosome® FS exhibits more organized lipid structures (higher peaks), indicating the formation of new lamellar structures integrating into the lipid matrix—mimicking the function of basal epidermal layers in building the skin’s lipid architecture.

4. Strengthening the Skin Barrier
By refilling gaps and improving lipid structure, Bicosome® FS reinforces the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and protects the skin from external irritants.

5. Enhancing Elasticity and Firmness
Improved lipid organization within the stratum corneum enhances the skin’s elasticity and firmness, providing both immediate and long-term benefits.

6. Repairing Damaged Skin
Bicosome® FS helps repair damage caused by chemicals or external aggressors by restoring lipid structures and accelerating skin recovery.

7. Long-Lasting Effects
Because Bicosome® FS reaches the mid-stratum corneum and integrates into the lipid matrix, its effects persist even after discontinuing product use.

Benefits and Applications

• Fills intercellular spaces in the outer skin layer

• Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier

• Reduces transepidermal water loss

• Improves elasticity and firmness

• Repairs damaged skin and accelerates recovery

• Long-lasting benefits even after stopping use

• Suitable for all skincare products, especially creams, serums, and barrier-repair formulations

• Recommended usage: 1–3%

• Suitable pH range: 3–9

Results:

Short-Term Effects – During product application:

• Barrier Function (TEWL): Decreased by 7% after 7 applications
  (A decrease in TEWL indicates reduced water loss through the skin and improved moisture retention.)

• Elasticity: Increased by 25% after 7 applications

• Firmness: Increased by 11% after 7 applications

Long-Lasting Effects – One week after discontinuation:

• Barrier Function (TEWL): Still decreased by 4%

• Elasticity: Remained increased by 20%

• Firmness: Remained increased by 8%

Conclusion:
Bicosome® FS demonstrates outstanding short-term and long-lasting benefits for skin improvement. After 7 applications, it reduced transepidermal water loss by 7%, increased elasticity by 25%, and improved firmness by 11%. Notably, even one week after stopping product use, the benefits persisted—Barrier Function remained 4% better than baseline, elasticity remained elevated by 20%, and firmness by 8%.

These findings confirm that Bicosome® FS not only delivers immediate short-term results but also enhances the skin’s structure in a deep and lasting manner, with effects that continue even after discontinuation. This makes it highly suitable for developing skincare products that aim for both immediate and long-term performance.

A study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Barcelona examined liposomal and lipid-based delivery systems for skincare, particularly systems using natural phospholipids such as lecithin and phosphatidylcholine. The research found that lipid structures resembling human skin lipids (biomimetic lipids) can penetrate the stratum corneum more effectively and enter intercellular spaces better than conventional active ingredients.

The study also showed that delivery systems with lamellar (multilayered) structures enhance lipid organization within the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and significantly reduce transepidermal water loss. X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that phospholipids delivered into the skin can merge with the skin’s natural lipids, forming more ordered structures and improving skin elasticity and firmness—particularly beneficial for dry skin or skin with a weakened barrier.