Skin barrier function (stratum corneum lipid organization)

“Skin barrier function enhancement via increased permeability” describes the process and impact of increasing the skin’s transdermal permeability, most often achieved by chemical permeation enhancers. The main physical barrier to permeation is the lipid-rich stratum corneum; chemicals like DMSO and propylene glycol disrupt the ordered structure of its lipid bilayers (principally ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids), inducing a transition from a rigid gel phase to a liquid-crystalline, more permeable state. This increases the rate and extent of drug, water, and other molecule transport across the skin but may be associated with safety risks due to diminished protection against water loss, pathogens, allergens, and irritants.

Other names

Skin permeability barrierStratum corneum barrierEpidermal barrier function

Disruption or fluidization of stratum corneum lipid organization, usually by phase transition from gel-like to liquid-crystalline arrangement to increase permeability; Extraction or rearrangement of cholesterol and other lipid components; Partition into lipid layers and transient perturbation of lipid order