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05 Jan 2026
6 Min Read
Dr Chu Chee Chin (Academic Contributor), Nellie Chan (Editor)
In cities saturated with invisible stressors—from ultraviolet (UV) rays to pollutants and toxins—keeping skin healthy is more than vanity; it’s a matter of public wellbeing and product science.
At Taylor’s University, Dr Chu Chee Chin’s research asks a simple yet practical question: how can we protect our skin more effectively? By developing innovative delivery systems for proven ingredients, her work translates that question into scalable, science-backed solutions for real-world skincare.
Dr Chu is a lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, where she specialises in encapsulation technologies and materials for topical formulations, with an emphasis on molecular pathways involved in skin anti-ageing. Her work signals a shift in skincare science, moving from a focus solely on which ingredients are used to understanding how they penetrate and interact with the skin.
Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), the study applies advanced encapsulation techniques to active compounds within nanocarriers, aiming to stabilise them, enhance their penetration into deeper skin layers, and preserve their efficacy—ensuring their benefits are delivered as intended.
We spoke with her about the science behind these efforts, the challenges encountered, and the broader impact of the findings.
Q: Can you describe your research in simple terms?
A: Building on my earlier work with advanced delivery systems for sunscreen to protect the skin from UV-induced photoageing, my current research extends to other threats: environmental pollutants and the free radicals they generate. I’m developing an encapsulation system—a carrier—for vitamin E, specifically tocotrienols, to enhance their penetration into the skin and support a healthier, firmer, and more youthful appearance despite these oxidative stressors.
Q: What sparked your interest in this area?
A: My interest stems from a personal concern for maintaining healthy skin—a sentiment I believe many share. Through reviewing existing literature, conducting preliminary studies, and even formulating cosmetic products of my own, I became fascinated by the potential of tocotrienols in promoting skin health. This led me to explore how advanced delivery systems could maximise their benefits.
Q: What specific gap are you aiming to close with this research?
A: While tocotrienols are well-known for their antioxidant properties, they are highly unstable and degrade quickly when exposed to air, light, or heat. This instability, combined with their limited ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, reduces their effectiveness. My research aims to close this gap by using biomimetic proniosomes—nanocarriers that mimic natural biological structures—to stabilise and optimise their delivery. I’m also investigating the mechanisms of transepidermal penetration and cellular uptake to better understand how these formulations interact with skin cells.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges so far?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining the stability of the encapsulation so that the tocotrienols retain their potency over time and under various conditions. Another is scalability—translating a lab-based formulation into one that can be manufactured reliably and cost-effectively at scale. Addressing these challenges required both critical thinking and technical problem-solving. What ultimately made the difference was teamwork: collaborating closely with formulation scientists, product developers, and manufacturing experts to troubleshoot practical issues and navigate regulatory considerations.
Q: Were there any surprises along the way?
A: The research journey hasn’t been straightforward. Results didn’t always meet expectations, and developing a formulation that’s stable, active, and safe demanded many iterative cycles of testing and refining. While the work is still ongoing, a pleasant surprise was that the encapsulated tocotrienols also demonstrated notable anti-pigmentation effects, opening up new applications beyond their originally intended use.
Q: Are there any common misconceptions about your research?
A: A common misconception is that skincare products work instantly or that a single ‘miracle ingredient’ can solve all skin problems. In fact, a product’s effectiveness depends on how well its active ingredients are formulated, delivered, and used consistently over time. My research applies this principle by improving the formulation and delivery of tocotrienols, so that the product truly lives up to its claims on the skin.
Q: Why is this research timely, and who stands to benefit?
A: Today, our skin is exposed to more stressors than ever before—climate shifts, urban pollution, and lifestyle pressures—all of which accelerate ageing. At the same time, more people are seeking skincare that’s proven by science rather than driven by marketing claims. This makes the research timely, with benefits beginning in the dermatology field through clinically effective solutions, extending to the cosmeceutical industry through scientifically validated formulations, and ultimately reaching consumers through evidence-based products.
Q: Beyond skin health, how might consumers benefit further in their daily well-being and overall quality of life?
A: Healthier skin makes daily life more comfortable, with less irritation, dryness, or sensitivity to get in the way of everyday activities. It can also mean fewer corrective treatments, saving time, effort, and even money. Beyond these practical benefits, when skin feels and looks good, confidence naturally grows, which can positively influence personal and professional interactions—helping people feel more at ease and empowered in their daily lives.
Q: Could the technology from this research be applied beyond tocotrienols?
A: Yes. The encapsulation technology developed for tocotrienols can serve as a versatile delivery system for other bioactives—such as retinol, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10—especially those that are unstable or difficult to deliver effectively. This opens new possibilities for applications across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, which future studies could explore.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the research process?
A: I enjoy the discovery and problem-solving aspects of research, especially when they lead to real-world applications. I also value its collaborative nature—discussions with colleagues and students often spark new ideas and directions. Ultimately, it’s the combination of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful impact that keeps me motivated to continue the research process.
Q: Is there a moment in your research journey that really shaped who you are as a scientist?
A: One of the moments that really shaped me as a scientist came early in my research. I was working on a formulation so unstable that my initial attempts failed. It was frustrating at first, but the challenge pushed me to re-evaluate my approach, dive deeper into the materials and methods themselves, and seek guidance from mentors and collaborators. When I finally succeeded in developing a stable encapsulation system, it felt like a breakthrough—not just professionally, but personally. It taught me patience, persistence, and resilience, and gave me the confidence to tackle bigger scientific questions, which has guided me ever since.
In an era of instant beauty claims, Dr Chu’s research demonstrates that true progress is not merely promised but proven. Her encapsulation technology is that proof—stabilising and delivering tocotrienols so skin stays resilient against everyday stressors.
The next steps for her research involve adapting the delivery system for other potent yet unstable bioactives. She is also progressing towards scaling up these formulations for industry production and conducting clinical validation to ensure they are safe, effective, and ready for real-world use.
By bringing science beyond the laboratory and into daily routines, Dr Chu underscores how thoughtful innovation redefines skincare into genuine care—building not only better products, but greater wellbeing for those who use them.
