Fine Chemicals from Natural Sources with Potential Application in the Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical Industry—Volume 2

A special issue of Cosmetics (ISSN 2079-9284). This special issue belongs to the section "Cosmetic Formulations".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 20701

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
Interests: mesoporous materials; biomaterials; functionalization and surface modification; characterization and analysis of materials; heterogeneous catalysis; catalysts' preparation; catalysis on metals; acid-base catalysis; active substance-delivery systems
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is beyond any doubt that chemistry has provided countless products, improving the quality of human life in all areas. Unfortunately, some of the products have proven difficult to dispose of due to being non-biodegradable or toxic. Recently, much care has been taken to ensure that chemical products are safe for humans. According to one of the approaches, the cosmetic/pharmaceutical products used should be based on natural raw materials. With the use of physical, chemical and biochemical processes, these raw materials can be transformed into intermediates that are later used to produce high-value chemicals, polymers, lubricants, solvents or surfactants, and special products, which, until now, have been obtained using fossil fuels.

Dr. Agnieszka Feliczak-Guzik
Dr. Agata Wawrzyńczak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • natural sources
  • application in the cosmetic/pharmaceutical industry
  • fine chemicals
  • active substances

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4386 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Three Formulations of Hair Cosmetic Products Containing the Essential Oil of Clinopodium bolivianum (Benth.) Kuntze “inca muña”
by Raymí Celeste Obispo-Huamani, James Calva, Luis Miguel V. Félix-Veliz, Haydee Chávez, Josefa Bertha Pari-Olarte, Javier Hernán Chavez-Espinoza, Johnny Aldo Tinco-Jayo, Edwin Carlos Enciso-Roca and Oscar Herrera-Calderon
Cosmetics 2025, 12(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12030088 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 129
Abstract
Clinopodium bolivianum (Benth.) Kuntze, commonly known as muña, inca muña or koa, has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties in digestive disorders. Some studies have revealed its antioxidant potential and antibacterial activity. This study determined the volatile components, evaluated the antioxidant capacity [...] Read more.
Clinopodium bolivianum (Benth.) Kuntze, commonly known as muña, inca muña or koa, has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties in digestive disorders. Some studies have revealed its antioxidant potential and antibacterial activity. This study determined the volatile components, evaluated the antioxidant capacity of C. bolivianum essential oil and its incorporation into three hair cosmetic formulations: shampoo, combing cream, and capillary lotion. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) confirmed pulegone as the main component, accounting for 66.85% of the essential oil. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, with Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) as a reference compound. The essential oil exhibited significant radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 1344.0 ± 12.23 µg/mL for DPPH and 40.125 ± 1.25 µg/mL for ABTS. Among the formulated cosmetic products, the combing cream containing 0.5% of the essential oil demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 0.72 µg/mL (DPPH) and 0.068 µg/mL (ABTS). In contrast, the shampoo and capillary lotion showed lower antioxidant potential. The stability evaluation confirmed that all formulations maintained their physicochemical properties under accelerated conditions. These findings highlight the potential application of C. bolivianum essential oil as a natural antioxidant in cosmetic formulations, contributing to its protective and functional properties. Full article
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18 pages, 2542 KiB  
Article
Design and Characterisation of Personal Hygiene Gels Containing a Gypsophila Trichotoma Extract and Xanthium Strumarium Essential Oil
by Aleksandar Shkondrov, Denitsa Momekova, Maya Margaritova Zaharieva, Hristo Najdenski, Ekaterina Kozuharova and Ilina Krasteva
Cosmetics 2025, 12(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020065 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 240
Abstract
The aim was to develop a series of handwashing gels containing a standardised extract of the aerial part of Gypsophila trichotoma as well as an essential oil from Xanthium strumarium fruits. The saponins present in the extract are a suitable alternative to synthetic [...] Read more.
The aim was to develop a series of handwashing gels containing a standardised extract of the aerial part of Gypsophila trichotoma as well as an essential oil from Xanthium strumarium fruits. The saponins present in the extract are a suitable alternative to synthetic sulphate surfactants and have better skin tolerance, and with the addition of essential oil, a higher antibacterial activity of the gels thus developed is achieved. The elaborated gels were characterised by good spreadability and a pH close to the physiological for healthy skin (pH 5.5), which is a prerequisite for improved skin tolerability. The dynamic rheological studies showed that the extract fraction increase was not associated with gel viscosity change, and it was only a function of the gelling agent concentration. The gels’ foam-forming ability increased with the increasing extract concentrations. The comparative evaluation of the antibacterial activity of elaborated gels vs. plain gel based on coco glucoside against a panel of selected pathogens demonstrated that the newly developed formulations have superior antibacterial effects. Based on the good technological characteristics and the results of antimicrobial testing of the washing gels thus developed, it can be concluded that they are promising candidates as personal hygiene products. Full article
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14 pages, 984 KiB  
Article
Public Perception and Usage Trends of Essential Oils: Findings from a Nationwide Survey
by Stanislava Ivanova, Radiana Staynova, Nina Koleva, Kalin Ivanov and Daniela Grekova-Kafalova
Cosmetics 2025, 12(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020053 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 693
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing demand for natural products for personal care, cosmetics, supplementation, and the treatment of different conditions has been reported worldwide. At the same time, the global essential oil (EO) market was valued at more than 23 billion per year [...] Read more.
In recent years, an increasing demand for natural products for personal care, cosmetics, supplementation, and the treatment of different conditions has been reported worldwide. At the same time, the global essential oil (EO) market was valued at more than 23 billion per year in the last two years and is expected to grow significantly in the next five years. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of EOs in daily life, including frequency, preferences, and health-related outcomes among Bulgarian adults. The respondents and their responses remained anonymous as the survey was conducted online in January 2025. The study was associated with some important findings: usage of essential oils among Bulgarian adults is widespread (68.7% of the respondents use essential oils); secondly, we found that EO usage had a statistically greater association with younger age, higher education, and female sex. Most of the consumers of EOs did not report any side effects after use. However, 4.0% reported contact dermatitis and allergic reactions after the application of EOs. Most respondents (86.3% of the EO users) believe that repellents based on EOs provide good protection. It was established that Bulgarian adults use EOs for various applications: skin care, general wellness, aromatherapy, and as repellents. Most of the consumers of EOs would recommend EOs to other people. Full article
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16 pages, 3215 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Photoprotective Activity of Bromelain Cream: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
by Zahra Marissa, Soraya Ratnawulan Mita, Cahya Khairani Kusumawulan and Sriwidodo Sriwidodo
Cosmetics 2025, 12(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020041 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 913
Abstract
Bromelain, a natural enzyme derived from pineapple, is known for its antioxidant properties, and its potential as a photoprotective agent has garnered interest in skincare applications. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of bromelain-based creams in [...] Read more.
Bromelain, a natural enzyme derived from pineapple, is known for its antioxidant properties, and its potential as a photoprotective agent has garnered interest in skincare applications. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of bromelain-based creams in providing antioxidant and photoprotective protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was determined in vitro and in vivo to evaluate photoprotective activity. The results revealed that bromelain exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Photoprotection, as measured by SPF, the formulation F3, which combined bromelain with other UV filters, exhibited the highest SPF values of 22.043 ± 0.277 (in vitro) and 21.3 ± 2.901 (in vivo), indicating enhanced photoprotective efficacy. This improvement in SPF was likely due to the synergistic effect of bromelain with the UV filters Octyl Methoxycinnamate (OMC). The findings suggest a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and photoprotection, with bromelain’s antioxidant properties contributing to its overall photoprotective effect. Bromelain may be used on people without causing skin or eye irritation. This study supports the potential of bromelain-based creams as dual-action skincare formulations, offering both antioxidant and UV protection. Full article
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16 pages, 8078 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Investigation of Antiaging Efficacy of Pterostilbene as Cosmetic Ingredient
by Zongxiao Cen, Zhiyuan Chen, Ding Wang, Yuqin Zuo, Xueping Chen and Junyuan Chen
Cosmetics 2025, 12(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12010023 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Pterostilbene is gaining increasing attention as an effective ingredient in cosmetics. This study was performed to investigate the antiaging efficacy of pterostilbene using a human-originated P2 generation fibroblast assay and an in vitro skin experiment. A fibroblast cytotoxicity assay was performed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Pterostilbene is gaining increasing attention as an effective ingredient in cosmetics. This study was performed to investigate the antiaging efficacy of pterostilbene using a human-originated P2 generation fibroblast assay and an in vitro skin experiment. A fibroblast cytotoxicity assay was performed to evaluate the safety of pterostilbene: a 30 J/cm2 UVA irradiated fibroblast cell assay and a 30 J/cm2 UVA and 50 mJ/cm2 UVB-irradiated in vitro skin experiment were carried out to evaluate the antiaging efficacy of pterostilbene. The cytotoxicity assay found that 3.90 µg/mL or lower concentrations of pterostilbene exerted no significant toxicity to fibroblasts. The fibroblast cell assay showed that 2.6 µg/mL pterostilbene alleviated the UVA damage to fibroblasts by down-regulating the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) by 18.62% and decreasing the content of MMP-1 by 10.08%, MMP-3 by 15.10%, and collagen I by 33.92%. The in vitro skin experiment revealed that pterostilbene relieved the adverse UVA and UVB irradiation effects on skin tissue by increasing the thickness of the epidermis to maintain skin morphology, preventing the degradation of collagen fibers by 88.57%, and increasing the amount of collagen IV by 30.95%, collagen VII by 25.64%, and fibroblast growth factor-β (FGF-β) by 15.67%. This fibroblast assay and in vitro skin study consistently demonstrated the strong antiaging efficacy of pterostilbene. Full article
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Review

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12 pages, 546 KiB  
Review
Catechins as Antimicrobial Agents and Their Contribution to Cosmetics
by Soraya Ratnawulan Mita, Nurul Inaya Muhtar, Sri Agung Fitri Kusuma, Sriwidodo Sriwidodo and Ryan Proxy Hendrawan
Cosmetics 2025, 12(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12010011 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Natural ingredients are an important source of bioactive compounds. Among these bioactive compounds, polyphenols are the most interesting because of their health benefits. Catechins are a class of polyphenol compounds that exhibit a range of activities, with applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic [...] Read more.
Natural ingredients are an important source of bioactive compounds. Among these bioactive compounds, polyphenols are the most interesting because of their health benefits. Catechins are a class of polyphenol compounds that exhibit a range of activities, with applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. These include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic effects. In cosmetic formulations, catechins can be used as anti-acne agents. Reducing the particle size of catechins affects several of their physicochemical properties and can also increase their absorption rates and solubility. This article discusses the physicochemical properties of catechins and their potential applications as antimicrobial agents. Full article
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29 pages, 882 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Natural Substances and Their Applications in Cosmetic Formulations
by Katarzyna Kulik-Siarek, Marta Klimek-Szczykutowicz, Ewelina Błońska-Sikora, Emilia Zarembska and Małgorzata Wrzosek
Cosmetics 2025, 12(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12010001 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1845
Abstract
The aim of this review is to analyze natural substances exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activity against skin pathogens, along with their exemplary applications in cosmetic products. Growing concerns related to increasing infection rates and pathogen resistance have prompted the search for alternative therapeutic [...] Read more.
The aim of this review is to analyze natural substances exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activity against skin pathogens, along with their exemplary applications in cosmetic products. Growing concerns related to increasing infection rates and pathogen resistance have prompted the search for alternative therapeutic methods. This article discusses various natural products, derived from plants, animals, and minerals, with antimicrobial potential. Special attention is given to the antimicrobial efficacy of natural substances derived from Allium L., Salvia L., Lavandula L., Origanum L., Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe vera, Black Cumin, and Trigonella L. in improving treatment outcomes, either alone or in combination with conventional medications. In addition, the presented natural products, such as propolis, honey, cosmetic mud, and clays, can serve as viable alternatives or complementary treatments for mild skin infections and may help prevent recurrence. The promising potential of these natural products encourages further research into discovering new antimicrobial agents. However, the lack of standardization of natural preparations can result in inconsistent therapeutic effects and unforeseen side effects. This review significantly contributes to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries by emphasizing the potential of natural products and highlighting the need for further research and regulatory measures to ensure their safe and effective integration with existing therapies. Full article
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33 pages, 1973 KiB  
Review
A Journey Along the Boulevard of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, with Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Potential: Bee Venom, Cobra Venom, Ficus carica
by Monica Dinu, Carmen Galea, Ana Maria Chirilov, Alin Laurențiu Tatu, Lawrence Chukwudi Nwabudike, Olimpia Dumitriu Buzia and Claudia Simona Stefan
Cosmetics 2024, 11(6), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11060195 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2733
Abstract
Animal venom and plant extracts have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine worldwide. Natural components, valued for their safety and effectiveness, have been consistently used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. We propose a journey along the boulevard of active compounds from [...] Read more.
Animal venom and plant extracts have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine worldwide. Natural components, valued for their safety and effectiveness, have been consistently used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. We propose a journey along the boulevard of active compounds from natural sources, where bee venom (BV), cobra venom (CV), and Ficus carica reveal their individual therapeutic and cosmetic properties. The originality of this review lies in exploring the synergy of these bioactive sources, an approach that has not been presented in the literature. Although BV, CV, and Ficus carica have different origins and compositions, they have multiple common pharmacological and cosmetic actions, which make them ideal for inclusion in various products that can be used for skin care and health in general. Their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and regenerative properties give them an essential role in the creation of potential innovative and effective products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Although many plant extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Ficus carica was chosen due to its complex biochemical composition, which provides valuable benefits in skin regeneration and protection against oxidative stress. According to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), Ficus carica is used in the form of an extract of fruits, leaves, juice, bark or stem, each having specific applicability in topical formulations; due to the diversity of bioactive compounds, it can amplify the effectiveness of BV and CV, helping to enhance their beneficial effects and reducing the risk of adverse effects, due to its well-tolerated nature. Thus, this combination of natural ingredients opens up new perspectives in the development of innovative products, optimizing efficiency and maintaining a favorable safety profile. In this context, due to the reported experimental results, the three natural sources caught our attention, and we conceived the present work, which is a review made following the analysis of the current progress in the study of the bioactive compounds present in BV, CV, and Ficus carica. We focused on the novelties regarding pharmacological and cosmetic actions presented in the literature, and we highlighted the safety profile, as well as the modern approaches regarding the delivery and transport systems of the active substances from the three natural sources, and we evaluated their prospects in therapeutic and cosmetic use. This paper not only expands our knowledge of bioactive compounds, but it can also generate new ideas and motivations for the research and development of innovative treatments and skincare methods. Full article
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18 pages, 1098 KiB  
Review
Liposomes and Ethosomes: Comparative Potential in Enhancing Skin Permeability for Therapeutic and Cosmetic Applications
by Ewelina Musielak and Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
Cosmetics 2024, 11(6), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11060191 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4013
Abstract
Skin diseases are a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective treatment often depends on the precise delivery of drugs to the affected areas. One promising approach is currently the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), whose significant challenge is the poor [...] Read more.
Skin diseases are a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective treatment often depends on the precise delivery of drugs to the affected areas. One promising approach is currently the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), whose significant challenge is the poor penetration of many compounds into the skin due to the stratum corneum (SC), which acts as a formidable barrier. To overcome this limitation, nanocarriers have emerged as a highly effective alternative. This review discusses the use of liposomes and ethosomes for transdermal drug delivery. Liposomes are micro- or nanostructures consisting of a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core. They facilitate transdermal drug penetration and may be advantageous for site-specific targeting. Some methods of treating skin diseases involve incorporating drugs such as acyclovir, dithranol, and tretinoin or bioactive compounds such as fluconazole, melanin, glycolic acid, kojic acid, and CoQ10 into nanocarriers. The inability of liposomes to pass through the narrowed intercellular channels of the stratum corneum led to the invention of lipid-based vesicular systems such as ethosomes. They are structurally similar to conventional liposomes, as they are prepared from phospholipids, but they contain a high ethanol concentration. Ethosomes are noninvasive carriers that allow drugs to reach the deep layers of the skin. Examples of commonly used substances and drugs combined with ethosomes in cosmetics include methotrexate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and E, and colchicine. A significant development in this area is the use of rutin-loaded ethosomes. Encapsulating rutin in ethosomes significantly improves its stability and enhances skin penetration, allowing more efficient delivery to deeper skin layers. In cosmetics, rutin–ethosome formulations are used to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce redness, and improve capillary strength, making it a valuable formulation in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory products. The results of the first clinical trial of the acyclovir–ethosome formulation confirm that ethosomes require further investigation. The work provides an update on recent advances in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, mentioning the essential points of commercially available formulations, clinical trials, and patents in the recent past. Full article
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20 pages, 6808 KiB  
Review
Microplastics (MPs) in Cosmetics: A Review on Their Presence in Personal-Care, Cosmetic, and Cleaning Products (PCCPs) and Sustainable Alternatives from Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers
by Nikolaos Bikiaris, Nikolaos F. Nikolaidis and Panagiotis Barmpalexis
Cosmetics 2024, 11(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11050145 - 23 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7237
Abstract
Since the emergence of microplastics, the scientific community has been extremely alarmed regarding their potential risks for and threats to both the environment and human lives. MPs are traced in freshwater and marine environments, day-to-day-life ecosystems, and the bodies of animals and humans. [...] Read more.
Since the emergence of microplastics, the scientific community has been extremely alarmed regarding their potential risks for and threats to both the environment and human lives. MPs are traced in freshwater and marine environments, day-to-day-life ecosystems, and the bodies of animals and humans. Due to their usage advancements, MPs have become directly or indirectly an integral part of personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products and appeared as a domestic cause of environmental pollution. Over the years, researchers have ascertained the harmful effects of MPs on the environment. In this regard, the monitoring and assessment of MPs in PCCPs necessitates considerable attention. The worldwide ban legislation on plastic μBs used in cosmetic products has driven researchers to investigate sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. This review paper summarizes the potential threats of MPs used in cosmetics and the utilization of potential alternatives. Full article
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