Azone Oil, Laurocapram

Azone oil, scientifically known as laurocapram, is a synthetic compound designed to enhance the penetration of active ingredients into the skin. It is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid with a faint odor. Azone oil was first developed for pharmaceutical applications to improve the absorption of drugs through the skin, but it has since gained popularity in the cosmetic industry due to its powerful skin-enhancing properties.

Azone works by altering the structure of the skin’s lipid bilayer, which is part of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin). By temporarily disrupting the lipid organization, it reduces the barrier resistance of the skin, allowing active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and other bioactives to penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Azone oil is non-toxic and non-irritating, making it suitable for most skin types.

It is often used in formulations like creams, serums, and transdermal patches to improve the efficacy of the products by ensuring that the active ingredients reach their target areas effectively.