[Doctor's POV] Multi-Pathway Absorption Explained

By Dr Swati Khullar, MD Microbiology

Absorption is the bridge between what you take in and what your body can actually use. The more efficiently ingredients cross that bridge, the greater is the absorption. One of the most effective ways to improve efficiency is through multi-pathway absorption i.e. engaging several entry routes at once rather than relying on just one.

Four Key Absorption Pathways 

The human body has multiple surfaces and tissues capable of taking in active compounds. When we apply anything to our lips / mouth, it presents itself to these 4 key absorption pathways:

1. Transdermal - through the skin, especially where it is thin and well supplied with blood vessels.

2. Mucosal - across the moist inner lining of the mouth, where uptake is rapid and direct.

3. Sublingual - under the tongue, an area rich in capillaries that connect directly to circulation.

4. Buccal - the inner lining of your cheek with rich blood flow

Each pathway operates a little differently, but together they provide more opportunities for absorption and more consistent access for the body.

Why Multiple Pathways Help

● Redundancy: If one route is less efficient, another can still carry part of the load.

● Balance: Absorption happens gradually and steadily, avoiding extremes.

● Efficiency: By spreading across pathways, a higher percentage of actives can be used by the body.

It’s the biological equivalent of having multiple doors open instead of relying on just one.

Everyday Science in Action

This principle shows up in areas ranging from transdermal patches to oral sprays to functional beauty formats. It’s interesting to see how Efpy is exploring this same science in everyday product – the lip balm.

Dr Swati Khullar, MD Microbiology