Cyclodextrins encapsulate the sensitive active ingredients of anti-wrinkle creams, releasing them again on the target area of the skin.

Molecular model of a cyclodextrin-retinol complex: The retinol molecule fits very snugly inside the gamma-cyclodextrin, but is so long that it sticks out of the ends – two cyclodextrins are therefore used to protect it.

Cyclodextrins prefer to host guests that have an aversion to water, such as fat-soluble vitamins, oils and the fragrances in perfumes. These guests remain inside their hosts until they are flushed out again by an excess of water. All it takes to release the guest molecules is the small quantities of moisture that each one of us has on our skin.