Discover AOX-TECH

Published on 01 April 2026
Samantha Hey
Senior Brand Manager
Ferndale Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Learn more about the author

Optimising the efficacy and tolerability of active ingredients

Signs of ageing, including dryness, dullness, wrinkles, even tone and sensitivity, can be frustrating skin concerns. The development and severity of these symptoms can be owed to many factors, such as sun exposure, environmental stress and hormones, along with the natural ageing process. Over time, these changes in the skin can become more acute and more difficult to manage.

At Cantabria Labs, scientific research sits at the centre of how formulas are developed. One of the technologies designed to enhance the performance of skincare actives is AOX-TECH. This patented delivery system has been created to optimise how ingredients interact with the skin, helping them work more effectively while maintaining comfort and tolerance.

What is AOX-TECH?

AOX-TECH is an advanced delivery system that elevates the power of active ingredients. It is based upon multilamellar nanovesicles: microscopic structures that encapsulate actives and transport them through the upper layers of the skin, allowing them to be released gradually, where they are most effective.

AOX-TECH nanovesicles are produced using biotechnological processes and are composed of 98% naturally derived, pharmaceutical-grade compounds. Their structure closely resembles the membrane of epidermal cells, which allows them to integrate more easily with the skin barrier.

Within each nanovesicle, active ingredients are protected and stabilised. Antioxidant components such as hesperidin, which is derived from orange peel, help to defend the formula against oxidative stress. Meanwhile, compounds like lutyl glucoside contribute to comfort and formulation balance. The result is a delivery system that offers:

  • Improved stability: the formula stays potent from the first application to the last, as the active ingredient is encapsulated to prevent interactions with the environment and other ingredients.
  • Gentler delivery: slow, consistent release reduces the chance of irritation and allows for greater efficacy.
  • Greater effectiveness: active ingredients reach where they are needed most, and penetration is boosted by up to twelve times compared to standard application.1

How AOX-TECH works on the skin

The process begins with encapsulation. Active molecules such as retinal, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid (HA) and azelaic acid are enclosed within nanovesicles. This protective layer shields them from environmental degradation caused by light, oxygen and heat, as well as potential interactions with other ingredients.

Once applied to the skin, the nanovesicles travel more easily through the layers of the epidermis, due to their small size and compatibility with the skin’s natural lipids. As they move through the skin, they release their contents. This controlled delivery ensures that the actives reach the areas where they are needed most, while reducing the likelihood of irritation, which often occurs with sudden, high exposure.

Why delivery technology matters

In skincare formulation, the ingredient itself is only part of the story. The way that ingredient reaches the skin, how stable it remains within the formula, and how well it is tolerated all influence the final results.

AOX-TECH has been developed to address each of these factors. By encapsulating actives, the technology protects them from degradation and helps to maintain their potency throughout the product’s lifespan. It also separates the actives from other ingredients in the formula until the moment of release, improving overall stability and compatibility.

The gradual release mechanism plays an equally important role. Delivering actives slowly allows the skin to benefit from effective concentrations, while maintaining optimum comfort. This can make potent ingredients easier to incorporate into everyday routines, even for skin types that have struggled to tolerate actives previously.

The result is intelligent, science-led formulations that deliver visible improvements while maintaining comfort, promoting a consistent skincare strategy and long-term skin health. Clinical studies have found that HA in AOX Tech can increase skin firmness by 24%, increase elasticity by 20%, reduce the depth of forehead wrinkles by 24% and reduce the depth of these wrinkles by 28%.2

AOX-TECH also plays a key role in Cantabria Labs’ patented RETINDUO® Technology. This exclusive retinoid technology combines two powerful, high-tolerance retinoids: pure retinol in microsponges, and retinal encapsulated in AOX-TECH. This dual approach provides both controlled release on the surface of the skin, and a more intense, sustained release to deeper layers of the skin. This makes more enhanced retinoid performance and results, but with much better tolerability and comfort.

Discover our AOX-TECH Products

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Serum

This high-strength retinoid serum is powered by RETINDUO® Technology - combining pure retinol in microsponges with retinal in AOX-TECH. It offers optimised retinoid performance with minimal irritation, leaving the skin smoother, firmer and more hydrated.

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Serum

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Intensive Serum

A very high-strength retinoid serum, also powered by RETINDUO® Technology. Designed for experienced retinoid users, this formulation offers optimised performance with minimal irritation, visibly reducing wrinkles and improving skin firmness and texture.

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Intensive Serum

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Eye Contour

A targeted retinol eye treatment powered by RETINDUO® Technology. This gentle eye cream targets crow’s feet, brightens the under-eye area, improves dark circles and reduces puffiness and eye bags, along with immediately visibly smoothing and enhancing brightness.

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Retinoid Eye Contour

ENDOCARE AGE BARRIER Niacinal Serum Gel

A velvety, fast-absorbing serum powered by 10% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid in AOX-TECH nanovesicles and patented EDAFENCE® anti-pollution technology. Ideal for sensitive or compromised skin, this serum hydrates, soothes and reinforces the skin barrier.

ENDOCARE AGE BARRIER Niacinal Serum Gel

ENDOCARE RADIANCE Vitamin C20 Serum

A high-strength vitamin C serum, containing 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 5% stabilised, encapsulated vitamin C in AOX-TECH. This advanced vitamin C complex targets signs of photoageing and supports long-term skin resilience. It is designed to visibly brighten, firm and improve the skin tone, while defending against environmental stress.

ENDOCARE RADIANCE Vitamin C20 Serum

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Glycoperfect [AZ] Creamy Cleanser

A comforting daily cleanser enriched with Azelaic AOX-TECH, helping to support clarity and evenness as you cleanse. The skin feels fresh and nourished - never tight or stripped.

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Glycoperfect [AZ] Creamy Cleanser

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Glycoperfect [AZ] Intensive Serum

A silky, high-performance serum powered by Azelaic AOX-TECH and gentle exfoliating acids. It works to improve the look of uneven tone and texture, leaving skin smoother, brighter and beautifully refined.

ENDOCARE RENEWAL Glycoperfect [AZ] Intensive Serum

NEORETIN Pigment Neutraliser Serum

If pigmentation is your primary concern, this advanced serum combines Azelaic AOX-TECH with clinically proven brighteners, targeting stubborn dark spots and helping to reveal a more luminous, balanced complexion.

NEORETIN Pigment Neutraliser Serum
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Featured products

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FAQs

How do AOX-TECH nanovesicles deliver active ingredients more effectively into the skin?

AOX-TECH uses multilamellar nanovesicles that closely mimic the skin’s natural structure, allowing them to integrate easily with the skin barrier. These microscopic carriers transport active ingredients through the epidermis and release them gradually, ensuring targeted delivery where they are most effective while maintaining comfort.

Does AOX-TECH really increase the penetration of skincare ingredients?

Yes, AOX-TECH has been shown to enhance penetration significantly, with studies indicating up to 12 times greater delivery compared to standard application. This improved absorption allows ingredients like retinal, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to perform more effectively without increasing irritation.

How does AOX-TECH protect ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids from degradation?

AOX-TECH encapsulates active ingredients within protective nanovesicles, shielding them from environmental factors such as light, oxygen and heat. This helps maintain ingredient stability and potency throughout the product’s lifespan, ensuring consistent performance from first use to last.

Why is controlled release important in skincare formulations?

Controlled release ensures active ingredients are delivered gradually rather than all at once, reducing the risk of irritation. AOX-TECH uses this approach to maintain effective concentrations in the skin while improving comfort, making potent ingredients easier to tolerate in everyday skincare routines.

What results can AOX-TECH skincare deliver for ageing skin?

Clinical findings show that AOX-TECH can improve key signs of ageing, including increased firmness and elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth. By enhancing how ingredients are delivered and absorbed, it supports smoother, more resilient skin with continued use.

How does AOX-TECH improve retinoid performance in ENDOCARE products?

AOX-TECH is used to encapsulate retinal within RetinDuo® Technology, allowing deeper and more sustained delivery into the skin. Combined with surface-level retinol, this dual approach enhances overall performance while maintaining better tolerability, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

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References

1,2 Indermal In vivo efficacy study- 21 volunteers of men and women (40 - 60 years of age) with dry and combined skin- 28 days. Data on file