Current Cosmetic Science - Volume 3, Issue 1, 2024

Hair is a prominent physical feature that is found in all mammals. Different hair types will display different hair physicochemical properties (colour and appearance), mechanical resistance and reactivity to chemical agents and surface properties.

This study aims to prepare polyherbal-based hair serum to conduct stability tests and in-vitro evaluation tests to assess the efficacy of hair serum on different types of human hair tresses for the purpose of leave-in hair treatments.

The hair care formulations, such as hair serum, were prepared and their stability was evaluated through a series of tests. The stability tests were conducted by evaluating the organoleptic properties of the formulations, such as colour, odour, surface appearance, consistency, and clarity, under various environmental conditions over a period of four weeks.

The relative viscosity of the hair serum is 7.84 mPa/s, relative density is 0.997 g/ml, and an average particle size is 1079 ± 21.22 µm. Over the course of 4 weeks, the nanoemulsion-based hair serum was stable between 25 – 40°C and away from direct sunlight exposure.

The formulated polyherbal hair serum can be used as a leave-in treatment to maintain hair’s moisture balance while improving hair combability. Further improvements in the hair product formulation can be made in the future to increase their potential for commercialisation.

Tannic acid and gallic acid have been known as natural compounds with antibacterial activity. In this work, the antimicrobial efficiency of tannic acid (TA) and gallic acid (GA), as well as their mixtures, was tested.

During the research, the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and fractional inhibitory concentration were defined. Based on them, for further study, mixtures of TA/GA in ratios 50:50 and 80:20 were chosen as a preservation mixture applied to the cosmetic emulsion.

The obtained cosmetics emulsions were analyzed for the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count and the total combined yeast count. The preservation efficiency test was performed according to the ISO 11930 standard. A stability test for cosmetics formulation was also carried out.

The preservation mixture of TA/GA in an 80:20 ratio incorporated in the cosmetics formulation showed good preservation efficiency and could be considered a natural origin preservative.

Sunscreens are critical products used against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, beyond the effect of sun protection, the inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have shown antimicrobial activity.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential additional beneficial effects of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as antimicrobial agents on acne-prone skin.

Transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH of twelve volunteers were measured before and 2 h after the application of three mineral sunscreens. The antimicrobial activity of the mineral sunscreens was determined against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in a time-kill test.

The studied mineral sunscreens did not affect either the stratum corneum hydration or its integrity, but they increased the skin pH from 4 to 6, which could impact the skin microbiota balance. At the same time, the tested mineral sunscreens inhibited Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus.

This study suggests that the two UV filters can have positive effects on acne-prone skin and, thus, extend the benefits of photoprotective formulations. Nevertheless, further research is currently being conducted.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) can be considered as a boon to mankind as it possesses innumerable medicinal benefits despite being cost effective. Its use as an anti-acne agent is widely anticipated. A topical formulation of neem leaf powder as hydrogel was prepared recognizing the use of its phytoconstituents in many skin therapies. The primary goal of topical formulations is to provide drug contact with the skin while reducing overall absorption.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-acne potential of Neem leaves powder hydrogel.

Neem leaf powder was tested for its organoleptic and physical characteristics. Neem leaf hydrogel was prepared in a 1% w/v carbopol gel and evaluated by agar disk diffusion. A 3% w/w (F1) and 2% w/w (F2) hydrogel was prepared by adding 3 g and 2 g of Neem leaf powder respectively, making a volume of 100 ml, and was evaluated for various parameters. A comparative evaluation tests were conducted for F1, F2 and 1% w/v carbopol gel (blank). After the test results, F1 was optimized for pH and viscosity by adding triethanolamine. Optimized F1 was tested against 1% w/w salicylic acid gel, and Zitcare-S (Standard) for anti-acne activity. Agar plates were prepared and a well was dug using a borer. The wells were filled with the F1, standard and blank, inoculated by the Staphylococcus aureus using the spread culture technique. The plates were incubated for 24 hours at standard conditions.

F1, F2, blank and standard were tested for their viscosity, spreadability, pH and some organoleptic parameters. The test results from F1 and F2 suggested F1 to be a more efficient hydrogel. Standard, blank and F1 were tested using agar well diffusion technique. After the incubation period, the plates were taken out and kept on a white sheet. Using a meter scale, the radius of the zone of inhibition was determined. It was found that F1 gave 1.7 cm, standard gave 1.3 cm and blank gave 0 cm radius size zone of inhibition.

Test results suggest that F1 has better spreadability and viscosity in comparison to F2. This study concludes that F1 is a more stable and efficient formulation as a hydrogel with efficient spreadability and optimum viscosity. F1 has better anti-bacterial activity than the standard and has better anti-acne potential.

Skin aging is a result of the aging process and also intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In order to better understand this process and evaluate anti-aging products, it is necessary to develop in vitro models that can recapitulate the biological process of aged skin. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an aged skin equivalent model to evaluate these properties.

Human fibroblasts were incorporated into the collagen matrix and keratinocytes were added and cultured in an air-liquid interface for 21 days. During this period, the matrices were exposed to UV or EX527 to trigger biological aging processes.

The two protocols evaluated demonstrated reduced expression of genes related to longevity and regulation of cellular redox homeostasis, and it was confirmed with histological analysis. Also, the model demonstrated the anti-aging potential of resveratrol.

The model developed is a promising platform for reproducing aged skin and evaluating rejuvenating agents.