Liposomal Nanoformulations for Skin Delivery of Bioactive Botanical Extracts: A Scoping Review

This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in liposomal nanoformulations encapsulating whole-plant extracts for topical skin applications, with a focus on research published between 2016 and 2026. Literature searches were conducted using the Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed databases. The evolution from conventional liposomes to advanced nanovesicles (ethosomes, transfersomes, transethosomes, propylene glycol- and glycerol-enriched liposomes, and (bio)polymer-coated nanovesicles) is analyzed alongside their integration into hybrid liposome-in-vehicle delivery systems. Liposome preparation methods, bilayer constituents, and semisolid vehicles used to increase viscosity of liquid liposomal dispersions were evaluated and discussed with respect to their physicochemical properties as well as the botanical, phytochemical and biological activity profiles and skin-related effects of the plant-extract-loaded liposomal nanocarriers. Encapsulation into liposomes was found to significantly enhance the stability of botanical extracts, their cutaneous deposition, as well as therapeutic efficacy and dermocosmetic potential. Reported biological effects were categorized according to their pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, wound-healing, and anti-aging activities. In response to the growing demand for clean beauty and plant-based dermatological solutions, this article summarizes current knowledge on plant-extract-loaded liposomal nanoformulations to guide future research toward their potential applications in dermatology and cosmetology.