Have you heard of capsule technology? Lately, it seems like everyone’s talking about the benefits of encapsulation in skincare, especially when it comes to making certain hero ingredients shine. If you’re wondering exactly what it is and why it’s important, we’re here to help. And it just so happens that our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream uses this exact technology to create a next-level formula. Below, our team unpacks everything you need to know about skincare encapsulation.
What is encapsulation in skincare?
Encapsulation simply means wrapping certain ingredients in a protective barrier. In our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream, we took multiple ceramides and coated each one using capsule technology, but you’ll also see this method used with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or peptides.
By isolating and coating a key ingredient, encapsulation provides several benefits that aren’t otherwise possible (more on this below). In our barrier cream, you can think of it as an extra step that lets our ceramide complex shine. Our formula is packed with other ingredients, like soothing upcycled black rice extract, moisturizing vitamin E, calming allantoin, and nourishing and glow-enhancing plant extracts. But after many rounds in the lab, we discovered that we were able to take the formula to a whole new level by incorporating an encapsulation process. Here’s why.
The Benefits of Encapsulation in Skincare
1. It helps ingredients be more effective and stable.
Encapsulation is often done with ingredients to “separate” them from the rest of the formula. This helps them maintain peak efficacy and stability until they hit your skin and release from their capsules. Think of it as a bonus; your non-encapsulated formulas can work perfectly fine too, but this extra step helps the ingredients inside the capsules perform best and get delivered exactly where you want them. In the case of ceramides, encapsulation can help ensure that this ingredient gets delivered directly to your skin barrier. In our clinical studies, we found that this formula resulted in a skin barrier improvement of 21.001% after 2 weeks of use*—exactly what we were going for when we dreamed up this launch. And our in-house testers have been loving it too. “My skin barrier has always been on the weaker side—prone to dryness and irritation,” says our team member Anna. During testing, she gave it full marks for its supportive effects on her barrier health. “It really helps keep my skin balanced and happy,” she says.
2. It helps your skincare absorb.
Capsules can also help make ingredients smaller and boost their absorption. When formulating this barrier cream, our team landed on capsule technology because we wanted to create a moisturizer with lasting hydration. We all noticed how hydrating this product felt once we tested it—and how it helped maintain that moisture. “As someone with extremely dry skin, I'm always searching for effective products,” says our team member Tamara. “I absolutely can't stand products that can't get absorbed easily and leave a sticky residue. So when I found this cream, I was left extremely satisfied: It feels wonderfully refreshing, absorbs easily, and hydrates my skin the proper way.”
3. It creates a cool texture.
Some barrier creams can feel overly thick and heavy. But by combining encapsulation technology with a few other tricks, our product developers were able to land on a luxurious but still lightweight feel. As a fun bonus, you can even see the tiny capsules inside the cream every time you use it. Our team member Tanusha particularly loved the way it felt in testing. “The small ceramide capsules melt into my skin within 5 to 10 seconds of gentle rubbing,” she says. “I get a finish that’s moisturized but non-sticky. It’s the perfect companion to both my AM and PM skincare routines.”
4. It can benefit any skin type.
Not only does this barrier cream benefit dry and dehydrated skin (our clinical trials show a moisturizing improvement of 33.695% after 2 weeks of use*), it can also work for any other skin type. Our team member Claire has acne-prone skin, which she says she’s struggled “for years” to build the right routine for. “I’m always on the search for skincare that will protect my barrier so that I can manage bad breakouts,” she says. “This has been a game changer. The capsules ensure deep absorption and the formula overall leaves my skin calm. Even on my acne-prone skin, it stays gentle without causing any irritation.” Oily and combination skin types can use this moisturizer as well—we just recommend applying a smaller amount if you tend to get greasy.
5. It can help delay release and minimize irritation.
Our final reason to love capsule technology is that it’s sensitive skin-friendly. That’s because capsules can help give a timed release for the ingredients they contain, which helps minimize the risk of irritation. “As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always on the lookout for a good moisturizer that’s both gentle and effective—and this is by far the best I’ve found,” says our team member Eunjeong. “I have rosacea and am very prone to breakouts, so I’m cautious with what I use. The Barrier Cream feels incredibly calming on my skin, absorbs quickly, and provides lasting hydration without any stickiness. After applying it, I immediately notice a calming effect.”
Now that we’ve given you five reasons to love capsule technology, it’s time to experience it for yourself. So go grab a tub of our gentle, fragrance-free barrier cream and get ready to experience the magic.
*According to a clinical trial conducted on 20 subjects over two weeks.
Meet the Author
Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue, Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD, and Byrdie. She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm. Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Encapsulation in Skincare
Have you heard of capsule technology? Lately, it seems like everyone’s talking about the benefits of encapsulation in skincare, especially when it comes to making certain hero ingredients shine. If you’re wondering exactly what it is and why it’s important, we’re here to help. And it just so happens that our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream uses this exact technology to create a next-level formula. Below, our team unpacks everything you need to know about skincare encapsulation.
What is encapsulation in skincare?
Encapsulation simply means wrapping certain ingredients in a protective barrier. In our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream, we took multiple ceramides and coated each one using capsule technology, but you’ll also see this method used with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or peptides.
By isolating and coating a key ingredient, encapsulation provides several benefits that aren’t otherwise possible (more on this below). In our barrier cream, you can think of it as an extra step that lets our ceramide complex shine. Our formula is packed with other ingredients, like soothing upcycled black rice extract, moisturizing vitamin E, calming allantoin, and nourishing and glow-enhancing plant extracts. But after many rounds in the lab, we discovered that we were able to take the formula to a whole new level by incorporating an encapsulation process. Here’s why.
The Benefits of Encapsulation in Skincare
1. It helps ingredients be more effective and stable.
Encapsulation is often done with ingredients to “separate” them from the rest of the formula. This helps them maintain peak efficacy and stability until they hit your skin and release from their capsules. Think of it as a bonus; your non-encapsulated formulas can work perfectly fine too, but this extra step helps the ingredients inside the capsules perform best and get delivered exactly where you want them. In the case of ceramides, encapsulation can help ensure that this ingredient gets delivered directly to your skin barrier. In our clinical studies, we found that this formula resulted in a skin barrier improvement of 21.001% after 2 weeks of use*—exactly what we were going for when we dreamed up this launch. And our in-house testers have been loving it too. “My skin barrier has always been on the weaker side—prone to dryness and irritation,” says our team member Anna. During testing, she gave it full marks for its supportive effects on her barrier health. “It really helps keep my skin balanced and happy,” she says.
2. It helps your skincare absorb.
Capsules can also help make ingredients smaller and boost their absorption. When formulating this barrier cream, our team landed on capsule technology because we wanted to create a moisturizer with lasting hydration. We all noticed how hydrating this product felt once we tested it—and how it helped maintain that moisture. “As someone with extremely dry skin, I'm always searching for effective products,” says our team member Tamara. “I absolutely can't stand products that can't get absorbed easily and leave a sticky residue. So when I found this cream, I was left extremely satisfied: It feels wonderfully refreshing, absorbs easily, and hydrates my skin the proper way.”
3. It creates a cool texture.
Some barrier creams can feel overly thick and heavy. But by combining encapsulation technology with a few other tricks, our product developers were able to land on a luxurious but still lightweight feel. As a fun bonus, you can even see the tiny capsules inside the cream every time you use it. Our team member Tanusha particularly loved the way it felt in testing. “The small ceramide capsules melt into my skin within 5 to 10 seconds of gentle rubbing,” she says. “I get a finish that’s moisturized but non-sticky. It’s the perfect companion to both my AM and PM skincare routines.”
4. It can benefit any skin type.
Not only does this barrier cream benefit dry and dehydrated skin (our clinical trials show a moisturizing improvement of 33.695% after 2 weeks of use*), it can also work for any other skin type. Our team member Claire has acne-prone skin, which she says she’s struggled “for years” to build the right routine for. “I’m always on the search for skincare that will protect my barrier so that I can manage bad breakouts,” she says. “This has been a game changer. The capsules ensure deep absorption and the formula overall leaves my skin calm. Even on my acne-prone skin, it stays gentle without causing any irritation.” Oily and combination skin types can use this moisturizer as well—we just recommend applying a smaller amount if you tend to get greasy.
5. It can help delay release and minimize irritation.
Our final reason to love capsule technology is that it’s sensitive skin-friendly. That’s because capsules can help give a timed release for the ingredients they contain, which helps minimize the risk of irritation. “As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always on the lookout for a good moisturizer that’s both gentle and effective—and this is by far the best I’ve found,” says our team member Eunjeong. “I have rosacea and am very prone to breakouts, so I’m cautious with what I use. The Barrier Cream feels incredibly calming on my skin, absorbs quickly, and provides lasting hydration without any stickiness. After applying it, I immediately notice a calming effect.”
Now that we’ve given you five reasons to love capsule technology, it’s time to experience it for yourself. So go grab a tub of our gentle, fragrance-free barrier cream and get ready to experience the magic.
*According to a clinical trial conducted on 20 subjects over two weeks.
Meet the Author
Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue, Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD, and Byrdie. She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm. Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu.