Natural Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2026 | Viewed by 5325

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences (DoCPAS), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: natural and synthetic antioxidants and their relevance to plant, animal and human health and disease; evaluation of antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo; pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of natural antioxidants; redox modulation in biological systems by pro- and antioxidants; innovative techniques of antioxidant delivery and protocols for the extraction, isolation, structural characterization of new natural antioxidants; dietary antioxidants, food supplements and subproducts
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of natural antioxidants in cosmetic formulations has increased significantly due to their role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress, aging and environmental stressors. Among these antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, carotenoids, and stilbenes represent the main functional molecules of plant-derived matrices able to counteract skin-related reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical generation. Their beneficial anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, anti-aging, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities make them primary candidates for improving skin health.

The encapsulation of natural antioxidants represents a promising approach to increasing their beneficial properties, stability and shelf-life, resulting in the preservation of activity against oxidative stress. In fact, nanoencapsulation is widely utilized in the topical application of natural molecules to protect them from degradation by light, oxygen, and heat, to reduce skin irritation, and to improve skin penetration, hydration, and texture, leading to better cosmetic formulations.

For this Special Issue, original research papers as well as review articles focusing on the usefulness of natural antioxidants and their nano-encapsulated formulations in cosmetic applications are welcome.

Dr. Rita Cortesi
Dr. Maddalena Sguizzato
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cosmetic formulations
  • skin care
  • oxidative stress
  • photoprotection

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 3929 KB  
Article
Targeting Skin Aging Hallmarks In Vitro: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Senescence Effects of Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Cistus L. Species
by Mário Pedro Marques, Euclides Landim, Carla Varela, Ricardo M. F. da Costa, Joana Marques, Luís A. E. Batista de Carvalho, Ana Silva, Maria Teresa Cruz, Rebeca André, Patrícia Rijo, Maria Inês Dias, Aida Carvalho, Paulo J. Oliveira and Célia Cabral
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010149 - 22 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Plant-based extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds, which may act as skin antiaging mediators. Herein, Cistus albidus L. (Ca), Cistus ladanifer L. subsp. ladanifer (Cl) and Cistus salviifolius L. (Cs) were selected to test whether their phytochemical profile and bioactive potential align [...] Read more.
Plant-based extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds, which may act as skin antiaging mediators. Herein, Cistus albidus L. (Ca), Cistus ladanifer L. subsp. ladanifer (Cl) and Cistus salviifolius L. (Cs) were selected to test whether their phytochemical profile and bioactive potential align to target human skin aging. Hydroethanolic extracts (HEs) were prepared and characterized using infrared vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Non-toxic concentrations were screened, and cytoprotective and antioxidant effects were studied in tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline No. 439 was used to assess irritant effects, and the anti-senescence potential was assessed in etoposide-stimulated NHDFs. A series of enzymatic inhibition assays was performed. All extracts comprised ellagic acid derivatives, as well as myricetin and quercetin derivatives in Cs and Ca. The HE of Cs was also markedly composed of ligstroside. At non-toxic concentrations, cytoprotective effects were observed in NHDFs. However, only Cs and Cl exhibited significant antioxidant activity in these cells (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In addition to that, Cl demonstrated highly significant anti-inflammatory (p < 0.0001) and anti-senescence (p < 0.0001) effects. Cs and Cl showed a remarkable potential to inhibit elastase; in addition, Cs also showed anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase activities. Meaningfully, Cs and Cl extracts did not exhibit skin irritant effects. The unveiled potential of Cl in skin aging offset highlights the need to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of action, paving the way for the development of skin anti-aging formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications)
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27 pages, 4823 KB  
Article
Valorization of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Skin By-Product as a Multifunctional Ingredient for Cosmetic Emulsions
by Teresa Mencherini, Tiziana Esposito, Francesca Sansone, Daniela Eletto, Martina Pannetta, Oihana Gordobil, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Carlo Ferniani, Giulia Auriemma, Luca Rastrelli and Rita Patrizia Aquino
Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101199 - 2 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
Roasted hazelnut skins (RHSs), generated as by-products of industrial hazelnut processing, were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction to yield a hydroalcoholic extract (RHS-H). The extract was rich in polyphenols (308.4 ± 4.6 mg GAE/g) and proanthocyanidins (169.3 ± 10 mg CE/g) and showed [...] Read more.
Roasted hazelnut skins (RHSs), generated as by-products of industrial hazelnut processing, were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction to yield a hydroalcoholic extract (RHS-H). The extract was rich in polyphenols (308.4 ± 4.6 mg GAE/g) and proanthocyanidins (169.3 ± 10 mg CE/g) and showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH EC50 = 5.08 ± 1.08 µg/mL; TEAC = 2.82 ± 0.03 mM Trolox/mg) together with antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. RHS-H also enhanced the UV absorbance of synthetic UV filters. When incorporated into oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsions at low concentrations (0.2–2% w/w), RHS-H did not affect physicochemical stability: formulations maintained acceptable organoleptic properties, dermocompatible pH (4.7–5.5), electrostatic stability (ζ-potential ranging from –57 to –60 mV), and rheological behavior. Functionally, RHS-H increased the antioxidant activity of emulsions (radical scavenging > 80% vs. 52% in the blank), ensured microbial protection in challenge tests, and enhanced SPF by 9.4% at 0.2% w/w, with further improvements at higher concentrations, reaching broad-spectrum photoprotection (critical wavelength > 370 nm). Overall, RHS-H represents a natural multifunctional ingredient with antioxidant, preservative, and photoprotective properties, providing a sustainable strategy to upcycle hazelnut processing waste and reduce reliance on synthetic additives in cosmetic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications)
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27 pages, 8222 KB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Antioxidant-Rich Whole Foods or Supplements on Skin Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
by Yuxin Liang, Yujing Xu and Jung Eun Kim
Antioxidants 2026, 15(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15030301 - 27 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Background: Antioxidant supplements have been reported to confer benefits for skin health; however, these effects remain inconclusive and lack systematic evaluation. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of antioxidant-rich whole foods or supplements on various skin health outcomes by compiling [...] Read more.
Background: Antioxidant supplements have been reported to confer benefits for skin health; however, these effects remain inconclusive and lack systematic evaluation. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of antioxidant-rich whole foods or supplements on various skin health outcomes by compiling data from five databases, including 94 eligible preclinical and clinical studies. Results: The intervention improved overall skin health in preclinical studies, as evidenced by increased skin hydration (Hedges’ g = 1.75, 95% CI [1.31; 2.20]) and hyaluronic acid, decreased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) (Hedges’ g = −2.15, 95% CI [−3.17; −1.13]), epidermal thickness (Hedges’ g = −2.59, 95% CI [−3.28; −1.89]), wrinkle formation, and dermatitis scores, alongside changes in inflammatory cytokines and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. As for clinical studies, the intervention increased skin hydration (MD = 2.12, 95% CI [1.02; 3.21]) while decreased TEWL (MD = −0.68, 95% CI [−1.21; −0.16]). Additionally, changes in skin density, epidermal thickness, minimal erythema dose (MED), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and the Dermatitis Life Quality Index (DLQI) further support overall improvements for skin health. Conclusions: Antioxidant-rich whole foods or supplements intake improved overall skin health and skin disorder conditions. The magnitude of benefit may vary according to the type of antioxidant and the duration of intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications)
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