Transdermal delivery, cytotoxicity and anti-melanogenic activity of p-chlorophenyl benzyl ether loaded-liposomes

p-Chlorophenyl benzyl ether (CBE) has been shown to be a potential candidate as a skin brightening agent. However, it cannot effectively pass the stratum corneum to reach the melanocytes locating at the deep layer of the skin because it is poorly soluble in water. Therefore, a delivery system has been introduced to deliver the compound to the target site. The aim of this study was to develop CBE-loaded liposomes for transdermal delivery. CBE was incorporated in liposome vesicles at different amounts via thin-film hydration method. The physicochemical properties including particle size, zeta potential, skin permeability, cytotoxicity, and melanogenesis inhibition of the CBE-loaded liposomes in mouse melanoma cell lines (B16–F10 cells) were investigated. The optimal liposomes contained 0.05 %wt of CBE and had a particle size of 100.30 ± 5.22 nm, a zeta potential of −0.21 ± 0.96 mV, and a pH value of 7.25 ± 0.01. The findings revealed that the skin penetration of CBE was improved after it was incorporated into the liposomes. Moreover, the liposomes were able to enhance the anti-melanogenic activity of CBE in B16–F10 cells and had low cytotoxicity to the human normal skin cells and the mouse melanoma cell line. In conclusion, the liposomes may be a promising carrier for improve the skin permeation and anti-melanogenic activity of CBE.