Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 3331

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Spyros Papageorgiou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Panepistimiopolis 1, Ag. Spyridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: development of skin care products; skin antioxidants; quality control of cosmetics; effficacy of cosmetic formulations; Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in cosmetics; efficacy of cosmetic formulations; legislation of cosmetic products and medical device products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Panagoula Pavlou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Sector of Aesthetics and Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
2. Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: cosmetics; development; efficacy tests; safety; skin care products
Prof. Dr. Athanasia Varvaresou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Cosmetic Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Panepistimiopolis 1, Ag. Spyridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: synthesis of bioactive compounds; natural products for skin care; development of skin care products; skin antioxidants; efficacy of cosmetic formulations; skin care for oncology patients; quality control of skin care products; novel quantification assays of bioactive ingredients and their efficacy; skin pharmaceuticals; dermal delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The modern cosmetic industry and scientific community focuses on the investigation and manufacture of more advanced, environmentally friendly, sustainable, efficient, and safe functional materials and technologies. These include bioactive compounds, excipients, natural substances, extracts, nanoparticles, stem cells, exosomes, delivery systems, biotechnological methods and other innovative manufacturing processes. This Special Issue, entitled “New Insights in Functional Cosmetic materials and Industrial Manufacture”, will provide an overview of recent advances in the research, development and industrial application of synthetic and natural multifunctional ingredients, innovative technologies and manufacturing methods in cosmetic formulations, cosmeceutical products, and medical devices with skin care and dermo-pharmaceutical properties. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, raw materials, methods and/or applications in the following fields:

  • Cosmetic ingredients
  • Bioactive compounds
  • Biotechnological materials
  • Nanomaterials
  • Re/Upcycling substances and processes
  • Skin care formulations
  • Cosmeceutical products
  • Delivery systems
  • Efficacy techniques
  • Safety models
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Industrial applications

Dr. Spyros Papageorgiou
Dr. Panagoula Pavlou
Prof. Dr. Athanasia Varvaresou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • raw materials
  • bioactives
  • development
  • manufacture
  • cosmetic industry
  • chemical analysis
  • biotechnology
  • nanomaterials
  • cosmeceuticals
  • medical devices
  • efficacy tests
  • safety models.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

23 pages, 4612 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Achillea millefolium var. Paprika Extract with Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Skin Protection Potential in Topical Application
by Monika Michalak, Martyna Zagórska-Dziok, Paulina Żarnowiec, Anita Bocho-Janiszewska, Małgorzata Stryjecka, Dorota Kostrzewa, Natalia Dobros and Katarzyna Paradowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4631; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094631 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Yarrow has long been known as a medicinal plant and has recently been gaining in importance as a cosmetic plant. The purpose of the study was to perform a phytochemical evaluation of extracts from yarrow herb of the Paprika cultivar, which has not [...] Read more.
Yarrow has long been known as a medicinal plant and has recently been gaining in importance as a cosmetic plant. The purpose of the study was to perform a phytochemical evaluation of extracts from yarrow herb of the Paprika cultivar, which has not previously been studied in this regard, and to determine its protective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Comparative analysis of two types of extracts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), showed that the former had higher content of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and condensed tannins, as well as better antioxidant properties, as determined by spectrophotometric methods (DPPH and FRAP). The biological properties of the water–ethanol yarrow herb extract obtained by UAE was tested in vitro on 15 microbial strains (14 bacterial strains and one fungal strain), as well as on two lines of skin cells: HaCaT keratinocytes and HDF fibroblasts. In addition, the sun protection factor and rheological characteristics of a model cosmetic cream based on the extract were determined. Yarrow extract was shown to exhibit a number of important activities for cosmetic ingredients, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-ageing activity. The results of the study indicate that this material has potential applications in cosmetics, e.g., in products for mature skin with signs of ageing such as wrinkles or hyperpigmentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1531 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Natural Toothpastes Containing Silver, Citrus, and Cranberry Extracts Against Oral Pathogenic Microorganisms
by Spyros Papageorgiou, Angeliki Tsouna, Panagoula Pavlou, Athanasia Varvaresou, Apostolos Papadopoulos, Sotiria Davidopoulou, Dimitrios Dionysopoulos and Anna Giannakoudaki
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3704; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073704 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Natural toothpastes were introduced to limit the use of chemical ingredients commonly found in conventional toothpastes. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of three developed natural toothpastes containing different antimicrobial agents: (a) Biosecur Organic Oral Care [...] Read more.
Natural toothpastes were introduced to limit the use of chemical ingredients commonly found in conventional toothpastes. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of three developed natural toothpastes containing different antimicrobial agents: (a) Biosecur Organic Oral Care (BOOC), (b) Microsilver BG, and (c) Cranberry LG. These toothpastes were compared with a natural toothpaste of the same composition but without any added natural antimicrobial agent (negative control), as well as with a commercial synthetic toothpaste (positive control). The antimicrobial properties of the toothpastes were assessed using the disc diffusion test against three oral pathogens: Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Prevotella intermedia. Each tested toothpaste sample was placed in Petri dishes, where specific microorganisms selected for the study were cultivated. After incubation, the circular area formed around the discs (diameter), known as the inhibition zone, was measured demonstrating the inhibitory effect of the product on the microorganisms used in the efficacy test. All the experimental toothpastes exhibited higher antimicrobial properties compared to the negative control group, except for Streptococcus mutans, where only BOOC-containing toothpaste presented significant higher inhibition zones (p < 0.001). Considering the outcomes of the antimicrobial property test, the most effective natural experimental toothpaste was the BOOC-containing one, which showed better antimicrobial behavior even from the commercially available synthetic toothpaste (positive control). The tested natural antimicrobial agents were effective for enhancing the antimicrobial properties of the experimental toothpastes that were included, especially Biosecur Organic Oral Care agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1903 KiB  
Article
Use of Measurement Probes to Evaluate the Effect of a Series of Whole-Body Cryostimulation Treatments on Skin Characteristics in Subjects with Different BMIs
by Adrianna Dzidek, Olga Czerwińska-Ledwig, Agata Szlachetka, Ewa Ziemann, Dorota Kasprzak, Mariusz Zasada and Anna Piotrowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15062897 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a widely used method that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures to induce physiological responses. While its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edema effects are well-documented, the effects of WBC on the skin are not yet fully understood. The aim [...] Read more.
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a widely used method that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures to induce physiological responses. While its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edema effects are well-documented, the effects of WBC on the skin are not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single session of WBC and a series of 10 and 20 treatments on selected biophysical properties of the skin in normal-weight and overweight or obese subjects. Twenty-three volunteers took part in the study—12 in the study group (SG, BMI > 27) and 11 in the control group (CG, BMI 18–25). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, and skin elasticity were measured each time before and after the 1st, 10th, and 20th WBC treatments. All assessments were carried out under standard conditions using specialized probes. The skin in response to the cryogenic stimulus differed according to BMI and anatomical location. In SG: skin firmness on the face (p < 0.001) and forearm (p < 0.001), hydration (p = 0.004), and pH (p = 0.005) on the forearm significantly improved, while TEWL increased after a series of treatments in both groups (p = 0.028). WBC appears to be a safe and effective method of modulating the biophysical properties of the skin, with effects varying by BMI and body region. However, the role of WBCs in exacerbating TEWL should continue to be observed, and in the future, it is also advisable to develop methods to offset this adverse effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4840 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial and Preservative Potential of Eugenol and Isoeugenol in Cosmetics: A Natural Solution for Product Stability
by Anna Fajdek-Bieda, Joanna Pawlińska, Agnieszka Wróblewska, Wojciech Żwierełło, Agnieszka Łuś and Adam Klimowicz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042129 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
Eugenol (EU) and isoeugenol (IZO-EU) are naturally occurring compounds known for their strong antibacterial properties, which makes them ideal candidates for application as preservatives in cosmetic products. Primarily derived from clove oil, EU demonstrates potent antibacterial effects against a wide range of microorganisms, [...] Read more.
Eugenol (EU) and isoeugenol (IZO-EU) are naturally occurring compounds known for their strong antibacterial properties, which makes them ideal candidates for application as preservatives in cosmetic products. Primarily derived from clove oil, EU demonstrates potent antibacterial effects against a wide range of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast-like fungi such as Candida albicans. Their antibacterial action is mainly connected with their ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit key enzymatic processes. IZO-EU, a structural isomer of EU, also shows significant activity against various pathogens. In these studies, the effectiveness of EU and IZO-EU as preservatives in cosmetic formulations was tested. The antibacterial activity tests, using the disk diffusion method, assessed their effectiveness against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), and Candida albicans. Creams containing the different concentrations of EU and IZO-EU (0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%) were tested for microbiological purity, texture, consistency, and stability over a defined storage period and under controlled conditions (temperature, humidity, and light exposure). Microbiological purity was assessed through the standard culture methods, while the texture and consistency were evaluated using rheological measurements and sensory analysis. The obtained results demonstrated that both compounds effectively preserved the creams, maintaining the microbiological purity without significantly altering the texture, consistency, or stability throughout the storage period. Additionally, EU and IZO-EU not only enhanced the antibacterial protection of the formulations but also contributed to the pleasant fragrance. Furthermore, preliminary studies were conducted on their anticancer properties using the LoVo (colon cancer) and U87MG (glioma) cell lines. These studies revealed the hormetic effects at the low concentrations and cytotoxicity at the higher doses, suggesting that EU and IZO-EU may have therapeutic potential beyond cosmetic applications. These studies support the application of EU and IZO-EU as natural, multifunctional ingredients in cosmetics, offering both preservative and sensory benefits while meeting the growing consumer demand for natural and sustainable solutions in the beauty industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2731 KiB  
Article
EPR Spectroscopy Coupled with Spin Trapping as an Alternative Tool to Assess and Compare the Oxidative Stability of Vegetable Oils for Cosmetics
by Giulia Di Prima, Viviana De Caro, Cinzia Cardamone, Giuseppa Oliveri and Maria Cristina D’Oca
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10766; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210766 - 20 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Antioxidants are the most popular active ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics as they can restore the physiological radical balance and counteract the photoaging process. Instead of adding pure compounds into the formulations, some “precious” vegetable oils could be used due to their content of [...] Read more.
Antioxidants are the most popular active ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics as they can restore the physiological radical balance and counteract the photoaging process. Instead of adding pure compounds into the formulations, some “precious” vegetable oils could be used due to their content of tocopherols, phenols, vitamins, etc., constituting a powerful antioxidant unsaponifiable fraction. Here, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with spin trapping was proven to provide a valid method for evaluating the antioxidant properties and the oxidative resistance of vegetable oils which, following UV irradiation, produce highly reactive radical species although hardly detectable. Extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil were then evaluated by using N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone as a spin trapper and testing different UV irradiation times followed by incubation for 5 to 180 min at 70 °C. The EPR spectra were manipulated to obtain quantitative information useful for comparing the different tested samples. As a result, the knowledge acquired via the EPR analyses demonstrated jojoba oil as the best of the four considered oils in terms of both starting antioxidant ability and oxidative stability overtime. The obtained results confirmed the usefulness of the EPR spin trapping technique for the main proposed purpose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Functional Cosmetic Materials and Industrial Manufacture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop