NanoActive™ SA Nano-encapsulated Salicylic Acid
Precision purification, from pores to scalp
NEXT-GENERATION SALICYLIC ACID DELIVERY
NanoActive™ SA | Nano-encapsulated Salicylic Acid
Precision purification, from pores to scalp
Powered by PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
INCI: Salicylic Acid
POSITIONING
Proven salicylic acid efficacy × advanced nanoliposomal delivery
NanoActive™ SA combines the well-established biological value of salicylic acid with PuriPharm’s proprietary nano-delivery platform, offering a more formulation-friendly, skin-compatible and targeted solution for modern cosmetic formulations.
Classic salicylic acid, scientifically validated
Keratin renewal and normalized desquamationComedolytic action and follicular decongestionSebum and blemish management
PURISOME® nanoliposomal delivery
Water-phase friendlyControlled, sustained deliveryPotential for follicular targeting
Face care · Body care · Scalp and hair care
MODERN SKIN & SCALP CHALLENGES
Oily skin and scalp: persistent, recurring concerns
Recurring concerns
01 Visibly enlarged pores02 Excess keratin buildup03 Blackheads and whiteheads04 Rough, uneven texture05 Shine and dullness06 Recurrent pore congestion07 Scalp oil and adherent flakes
What determines the appearance of visible pores?
Keratin buildup within folliclesLevel of sebum productionStructural visibility of follicular openingsSkin surface texture
Pore appearance = keratin × sebum × structure × texture
Pore concerns are multifactorial. This limits purely astringent approaches and provides a clear scientific entry point for actives that manage keratinization.
THE CLASSIC ACTIVE
Salicylic acid: an enduring classic in skin science
Salicylic Acid · C₇H₆O₃
INCI: Salicylic AcidType: aromatic hydroxy acid (BHA), pKa ≈ 3.0Properties: lipophilic, with affinity for sebum-rich and follicular environments; limited solubility in water at room temperature.
01 Aromatic hydroxy-acid structure
The benzene ring and ortho hydroxyl and carboxyl groups determine its distinctive physicochemical behavior.
02 Lipophilicity
Unlike water-soluble AHAs, it can enter sebum-rich follicular environments.
03 Affinity for the pilosebaceous unit
It can act where comedones and blemishes originate.
04 Activity within the stratum corneum
It acts on connections between corneocytes without requiring deep penetration.
Its molecular properties give salicylic acid a distinctive role in pore and follicular care.
MECHANISM 01 · DESMOLYTIC ACTION
Mechanism 1: desmolysis regulates cohesion rather than “dissolving keratin”
Modern skin science holds that salicylic acid disrupts intercellular connections and reduces corneocyte cohesion, allowing abnormally accumulated keratin to shed in an orderly manner rather than simply “dissolving keratin.”
Densely accumulated stratum corneum
↓
Reduced corneocyte cohesion
↓
Normalized desquamation
↓
Smoother skin surface
Formulation relevance: Desmolysis rather than aggressive peeling supports keratin management with a lower burden. This biology underpins applications for oily skin, pores, blemishes and the scalp.
MECHANISM 02 · COMEDOLYTIC ACTION
Mechanism 2: comedolytic action along the follicular pathway
Comedone formation cascade
Hyperkeratinization
↓
Follicular opening blockage
↓
Microcomedone
↓
Blackhead / whitehead
↓
Inflammatory lesion
① Normalized desquamation
Corrects hyperkeratinization at the follicular opening and reduces blockage at its source.
② Lipophilic penetration
Moves through the sebum-rich environment into the follicle instead of remaining on the surface.
③ Reduced cellular buildup
Decreases abnormal accumulation of keratinocytes within the follicle.
④ Comedolysis
Helps clear established blockages and improve blackheads and whiteheads.
Effective comedone management depends on keratinization within the follicle, not only surface cleansing. Salicylic acid’s lipophilicity gives it this distinctive position.
Mechanism review: Arif T. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455–461.
MECHANISM 03 · INFLAMMATION & BLEMISH BIOLOGY
Mechanism 3: the inflammatory dimension of acne biology
Inflammation is present throughout acne development, including the invisible microcomedone stage. Blemish care therefore should not begin only after lesions become visible.
Published literature reports that salicylic acid modulates multiple inflammation-related pathways, including arachidonic-acid metabolism and inflammatory signaling. Together with its desmolytic and comedolytic actions, this supports both purification and stabilization.
Sebum production + abnormal keratinization
↓
Changed follicular microenvironment
↓
Microbial involvement
↓
Amplified inflammatory cascade
↓
Erythema, papules and post-acne marks
Salicylic acid intervenes at several upstream points: keratinization, the follicular environment and inflammation.
These mechanism-level statements reflect literature consensus and explain ingredient-level biological relevance. They do not constitute pharmaceutical treatment claims.
Mechanism review: Arif T. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455–461.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE 01 · ASIAN ACNE STUDY
30% salicylic acid peel: a 12-week study in Asian patients with acne
35
Asian participants
Mild to moderate
Facial acne
30%
Salicylic acid peel
Every 2 weeks
One treatment
12 weeks
Observation period
77.1%
Reported moderate or good improvement
- Significant reduction in inflammatory lesions
- Significant reduction in non-inflammatory lesions
- Significant decrease in overall acne severity
- No statistically significant worsening in stratum-corneum hydration, surface lipids, skin pH or TEWL
Lee HS, Kim IH. Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg. 2003;29:1196–1199.
This is published clinical evidence for salicylic acid, not a finished-product efficacy trial of NanoActive™ SA.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE 02 · COMEDONE COUNT
Mean facial comedone count fell by approximately 75% over 10 weeks
Statistical significance
p = 0.001
Study information
Participants: 16 Japanese patientsSystem: 30% salicylic acid in PEGFrequency: once every 2 weeksDuration: 10 weeks
Mean count decreased from 39.3 at baseline to 9.2 at Week 10, with continued improvement throughout follow-up.
Hashimoto Y, et al. Salicylic acid peels in polyethylene glycol vehicle for the treatment of comedogenic acne in Japanese patients. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34:276–279.
Published evidence for a 30% salicylic acid–PEG peel, not a finished-product efficacy trial of NanoActive™ SA.
POST-ACNE MARKS · UNEVEN TONE
From acne to post-acne marks: a framework for managing pigmentation
How salicylic acid can improve uneven tone
① Normalize exfoliation: accelerate surface renewal
↓
② Remove pigment-containing corneocytes: lift superficial deposited pigment
↓
③ Improve acne-related inflammation: reduce conditions that promote new marks
↓
A more even-looking skin tone
Salicylic acid is not a tyrosinase inhibitor. Its tone-related value comes from the combined effects of keratin renewal and inflammation management, not direct inhibition of melanin synthesis.
Comparative clinical evidence
30% salicylic acid vs 30% glycolic acidMild-to-moderate acne with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Study findings
Both peel regimens improved PIH; the salicylic acid group showed better tolerability in this study; relevant to combined acne and post-acne-mark concerns.
The literature also documents salicylic acid use in superficial peels for melasma and photo-induced uneven tone.
Reference: Arif T. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455–461.
TEXTURE & PHOTOAGING
Beyond blemish care: keratin renewal and younger-looking texture
Controlled keratin renewal can address not only blemishes, but also surface features associated with aging and photodamage:
- Roughness and grainy texture
- Dullness and loss of radiance
- Fine surface lines
- Uneven texture
- Visible signs of photoaging
Change from baseline with a sodium salicylate formulation
Evidence boundary: The study tested a sodium salicylate formulation, not free salicylic acid. Histology also indicated increases in fibrillin and procollagen I. The findings support salicylate/exfoliation biology and are not direct clinical evidence for NanoActive™ SA.
Merinville E, et al. Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2010;9:174–184. Wrinkle depth and skin roughness decreased significantly at Weeks 4 and 8.
THE FORMULATION PARADOX
The challenge with salicylic acid is delivery, not efficacy
Salicylic acid has limited solubility in water at room temperature. Traditional clear aqueous products often rely on ethanol, glycols, surfactant solubilization, partial neutralization and precise pH management, creating a persistent trade-off between efficacy and formulation elegance.
Traditional free-salicylic-acid formulation pathway
Salicylic acid powder
↓
Solvent system
↓
Partial neutralization
↓
pH adjustment
↓
Trade-offs in crystallization, irritation and sensory profile
Each step solves one problem while introducing another compromise.
NanoActive™ SA technology pathway
NanoActive™ SA
↓
Pre-engineered nano-delivery
↓
Easy incorporation into the aqueous phase
↓
Controlled active delivery · formulation freedom
The carrier addresses solubility so formulators regain design flexibility. Delivery technology is the dividing line in modernizing salicylic acid.
FREE ACID & pH
The free-acid state determines effective delivery
Salicylic Acid ⇌ Salicylate− + H+
Molecular form (free acid) Ionic form (salicylate)
pH < pKa
Free acid predominates, with a greater tendency to penetrate.
pKa ≈ 3.0
Key reference point for the ionization equilibrium.
pH > pKa
The salt form predominates, increasing water solubility.
01 Molecular and ionic forms
They differ in solubility, partition coefficient and skin penetration.
02 pH determines equilibrium
Small pH adjustments can change the free-acid fraction in the same formulation.
03 Carrier and pH jointly affect penetration
The formulation itself is part of salicylic acid performance.
04 Cost of conventional neutralization
Higher water solubility comes with a changed effective free-acid fraction.
PURISOME® Technology proposition: A nanocarrier environment supports effective salicylic acid delivery while improving formulation compatibility and reducing reliance on high solvent levels and complex neutralization strategies.
THE PURIPHARM RESPONSE
NanoActive™ SA: PuriPharm’s technology response
NanoActive™ SANano-encapsulated salicylic acidINCI: Salicylic AcidPowered by PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
Maintains an effective free-acid state
The carrier environment protects the effective form of salicylic acid.
Aqueous formulation compatibility
Disperses stably and incorporates easily into aqueous systems.
Potential for clear formulations
Supports modern formats such as clear serums and gels.
Reduced solvent dependence
Reduces the need for large amounts of ethanol or polyols.
Controlled delivery
Gradual release produces more even exposure.
Improved skin comfort
A sustained-release approach supports a better user experience.
Potential for follicular targeting
Follicular reservoir effect and localized enrichment.
Face and scalp applications
One platform supports multiple use cases.
This is a redesigned delivery pathway for salicylic acid, not merely salicylic acid placed inside a carrier.
THE TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM
PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
PuriPharm’s proprietary advanced nanoliposomal platform uses skin-compatible phospholipid bilayer vesicles.
Cross-sectional schematic: amphiphilic phospholipids self-assemble into a bilayer that encapsulates or associates with the active.
01 Improved formulation compatibility
A water-dispersed format bypasses the solubility bottleneck.
02 Controlled, sustained release
Carrier association releases the active gradually through interfacial processes.
03 Lower potential for localized irritation
Avoids sudden skin contact with a high concentration of free acid.
04 Improved deposition and delivery
Skin-compatible lipids promote active deposition in the target region.
Hereafter referred to as PURISOME® Technology. Its four delivery advantages support the same goal: bringing the active to the intended site at an appropriate rate.
DELIVERY MECHANISM
PURISOME® FlexVes™: a redesigned salicylic acid delivery pathway
Schematic: larger particles remain on the surface because they cannot pass through intercellular gaps, while smaller nanocarriers can move along these gaps and release the active.
01 Interaction with stratum-corneum lipids
Skin-compatible phospholipids approach intercellular lipids.
02 Gradual release
The active is progressively released from the carrier interface.
03 Follicular deposition
The carrier moves along the follicular pathway and enriches the target region.
Nanoscale delivery · skin-compatible lipids · controlled release · improved compatibility · follicular-delivery potential · better sensory profile
The schematic follows standard pharmaceutics models of phospholipid bilayer vesicle interactions with skin.
FOLLICULAR TARGETING
Follicular targeting and the follicular-reservoir concept
Nanoparticles vs free drug: a, stratum-corneum surface; b, enrichment in the follicular infundibulum; c, migration deeper along the follicle.
Particles deposit in the follicular infundibulum and diffuse into surrounding tissue.
Follicular targeting · follicular reservoir · localized enrichment
- Blackheads and comedones
- Oily pores
- Scalp buildup
- Keratin buildup within follicles
Statements about follicular targeting and reservoirs are based on the PURISOME® Technology platform’s delivery concept and are consistent with existing NanoActive™ platform data.
Left image adapted from Prow TW, et al. Nanoparticles and microparticles for skin drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2011;63:470–491.
CONTROLLED RELEASE & SKIN COMFORT
From concentration peaks to gradual release
Traditional free salicylic acid
Rapid local exposure produces a concentration peak, with potential stinging and irritation.
NanoActive™ SA
Carrier-associated delivery supports gradual release, more even local exposure and potential for improved comfort.
Nanocarrier occlusion effectSmaller particles and a higher number of carriers per unit area can form a denser lipid film on the skin surface. This may improve stratum-corneum hydration, promote active penetration and reduce water loss, adding another mechanistic basis for efficacy with comfort.
FOR FORMULATORS
Making salicylic acid easier to formulate and use
- Easy incorporation and process-friendly handling
- Suitable for aqueous systems
- Potential for transparent and clear formulations
- Reduced dependence on high ethanol levels
- Less need for aggressive solubilization strategies
- Compatible with serums, gels, cleansers and scalp formats
- Can be added at low temperature, depending on the process
| Process and compatibility guidance | Details |
|---|---|
| Suggested use level | Approximately 1–5% |
| Addition method | Add at low temperature |
| Compatibility note | Avoid combining with divalent or trivalent metal ions |
Based on historical PuriPharm technical materials. If this information differs from the latest product TDS, follow the current TDS.
Formulation freedom is itself a product advantage.
APPLICATION MAP
One application map, from face to scalp
FACE
Anti-acne serumPore-refining serumKeratin-regulating tonerCleanserClear gelMoisturizer for oily skinBlemish care
BODY
Body acne sprays and lotionsKeratosis pilaris careExfoliating body washCare for rough areas
SCALP & HAIR
Anti-dandruff shampooShampoo for oily scalpScalp serumScalp exfoliating treatmentScalp-cleansing products
One technology platform supports three major application areas: face, body and scalp.
SCALP & HAIR 01 · SCALP BIOLOGY
From facial pores to scalp follicles
Persistent scalp concerns
01 Scalp keratin buildup02 Excess scalp oil03 Adherent flakes04 Buildup at follicular openings05 Scalp cleanliness and freshness06 Disrupted scalp-renewal rhythm
Why salicylic acid suits scalp care
Desmolytic action: softens and removes corneocytes adhering to the scalp surface.Reduced surface buildup: addresses adherent layers formed by oil and keratin.Clearer follicular openings: lipophilicity supports entry along the sebum-rich environment.Improved appearance of oily scalp: a fresher scalp and lighter-feeling roots.
Scalp follicles present a problem structurally analogous to facial pores. Scalp care is another application of the same keratin biology, not merely an extension of facial care.
SCALP & HAIR 02 · DANDRUFF CARE
Scalp purification and dandruff care
Biology of dandruff
Dandruff is associated with abnormal desquamation of the stratum corneum.Malassezia plays an important role in dandruff biology.Effective management should address flake control, microbial factors and overall scalp condition.
Scalp positioning of NanoActive™ SA
① Desmolytic scalp active② Scalp-flake removal③ Oily-scalp care④ Follicular cleansing⑤ Supporting ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo systems
Scientific boundary: salicylic acid should not be claimed as a standalone antifungal ingredient. In multi-ingredient anti-dandruff systems, it contributes keratin management and flake control.
Suggested formats: anti-dandruff shampoo · shampoo for oily scalp · scalp serum · scalp treatment liquid · scalp exfoliating treatment · pre-shampoo scalp care
Dandruff systems require multiple complementary mechanisms. NanoActive™ SA addresses the keratin and flake-control component.
COMPARISON
Traditional salicylic acid vs NanoActive™ SA
| Dimension | Traditional salicylic acid | NanoActive™ SA |
|---|---|---|
| Aqueous formulation difficulty | High: limited water solubility | Low: easy dispersion and incorporation in water |
| Crystallization risk | Potential precipitation and crystallization | Carrier encapsulation lowers risk |
| Solvent dependence | Often requires high levels of ethanol or polyols | Dependence substantially reduced |
| pH management | Precise control changes the free-acid fraction | A more flexible formulation window |
| Delivery profile | Rapid release and local concentration peak | Gradual release and more even exposure |
| Skin comfort | Stinging possible at high concentration | Sustained-release approach with comfort potential |
| Clear-formulation capability | Limited | Supports clear, transparent formulations |
| Follicular delivery | Relies on compensating formulation engineering | Potential for follicular targeting and reservoir deposition |
| Dosage-form flexibility | Limited selection | Serums, gels, cleansers and scalp formats |
| Fit for scalp applications | Dual challenge of solubilization and irritation | Aqueous-friendly and suited to modern scalp formats |
VALUE PROPOSITION
NanoActive™ SA: a four-dimensional value proposition
EFFICACY｜Classic salicylic acid, multidimensional purification
Peer-reviewed literature supports the combined mechanisms of keratin renewal, comedolysis and inflammation modulation.
DELIVERY｜PURISOME® nanoliposomal delivery
Skin-compatible phospholipid bilayer vesicles carry the active and support follicular targeting and reservoir deposition.
COMFORT｜Sustained-release concept for a better experience
Gradual release smooths concentration peaks and troughs, adding comfort potential to efficacy.
FORMULATION｜Aqueous-friendly with greater design freedom
From serums to shampoos, the platform enables salicylic acid formats that were previously difficult to formulate.
Evidence for efficacy, technology for delivery, attention to experience and room for formulation.
REFERENCES
References and evidence grading
Published literature cited in this presentation
- Lee HS, Kim IH. Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Asian patients. Dermatol Surg. 2003;29:1196–1199.
- Hashimoto Y, et al. Salicylic acid peels in polyethylene glycol vehicle for the treatment of comedogenic acne in Japanese patients. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34:276–279.
- Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455–461.
- Merinville E, et al. Three clinical studies showing the anti-aging benefits of sodium salicylate in human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2010;9:174–184.
Clinical evidence for salicylic acid
References [1] and [2]: 30% peel systems, not finished-product studies.
Evidence for a salicylate derivative
Reference [4]: sodium salicylate, supporting the biological pathway.
Mechanism and review literature
Reference [3]: exfoliation, comedolysis and skin-tone applications.
None of the published references cited here constitutes a finished-product efficacy trial of NanoActive™ SA.
NANOACTIVE™ SA
Making classic salicylic acid more suitable for next-generation formulations
Powered by PURISOME® FlexVes™ Liposome Technology
PuriPharm Co. Ltd.