Garcinia mangostana Pericarp Extracts and α-Mangostin in Hair Care : An Insight into their Potential as Functional Ingredients and the Biological Properties

Haircare products with botanical origins and the absence of highly allergenic chemicals, such as parabens, petrochemicals, and silicones, have been considered more skin-friendly and ecofriendly to the environment. Recently, there has been a growing demand for these natural hair care products. Besides the perceived health benefits, many users also believe these botanical origin ingredients are generally milder, non-toxic, natural, and less likely to disrupt the hair and scalp's natural pH and oil balance. Garcinia mangostana has been known for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. α-Mangostin is the major xanthone present in G. mangostana. It exists abundantly in the fruit pericarp. Numerous activities have been reported on this plant and α-mangostin in hair care and scalp maintenance. Our review is the first to highlight the potential of G. mangostana pericarp and α-mangostin and the activities emphasized in hair care. This review thoroughly discussed five essential activities: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hair rejuvenation (hair growth), and tanning.