Cosmetics

Cellulite, a multifactorial condition affecting approximately 98% of women, is characterised by dermal and subcutaneous architectural changes that compromise skin texture and elasticity. Its progression is closely linked to hormonal, vascular, and inflammatory factors, as well as ageing-related extracellular matrix degradation. This review critically evaluates bioactive compounds incorporated into topical and minimally invasive formulations for the management of cellulite and skin rejuvenation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases and cosmetic ingredient repositories, focusing on active ingredients with demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin structure. Key compounds include capsaicin, forskolin, L-carnitine, caffeine, retinol, and extracts from plants such as Centella asiatica, which act via lipolysis, improved circulation, and antioxidant effects. Minimally invasive agents, such as deoxycholic acid and poly-L-lactic acid, complement these strategies by inducing adipocytolysis and neocollagenesis, thereby improving skin firmness and contour. Evidence indicates that multi-active formulations combining lipolytic agents with antioxidants and collagen-stimulating molecules yield synergistic benefits, reducing adipose protrusion and improving skin firmness. However, heterogeneity in study design and the lack of standardised evaluation methods limit firm conclusions. Further studies should validate efficacy and optimise delivery. Integrated topical and injectable therapies represent a promising, multifunctional approach to addressing cellulite and age-related skin changes.

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using butylene glycol for recovering antioxidant bioactive compounds from Rosa damascena petals. Extraction was conducted using 40% (w/v) butylene glycol, a 15 min treatment, and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:50 g/mL. Under these conditions, butylene glycol-based UAE yielded a total flavonoid content of 51.26 ± 1.75 mg QE/g sample, significantly higher than that obtained with ethanol-based UAE (p < 0.05), while the total phenolic content (118.23 ± 4.86 mg GAE/g sample) showed no significant difference between solvents. Antioxidant capacity was also enhanced, with butylene glycol UAE exhibiting stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (133.12 ± 4.81 mg TEAC/g sample) and higher FRAP values (8.13 ± 0.23 mg FeSO₄/g sample) than ethanol-based UAE and conventional shaking extraction. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis, heatmap clustering, and Venn diagrams, revealed clear separation among extraction methods and a broader phytochemical profile in butylene glycol UAE extracts. LC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS profiling confirmed a conserved core phenolic composition across all extracts, while butylene glycol UAE selectively enriched additional galloyl derivatives and conjugated flavonoids and also enabled the detection of less polar phenolics. These findings highlight butylene glycol-based UAE as a sustainable and industry-relevant alternative to ethanol extraction for cosmetic applications.

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure disrupts dermal collagen homeostasis and accelerates skin aging. This study evaluated the protective effects of black ginseng extract (BGE) against UV-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts. BGE restored collagen-related markers, including COL5A1 and COL7A1, improved fibroblast proliferative capacity, and reduced senescence-associated changes under UV stress. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics identified broad pathway modulation by BGE, involving extracellular matrix remodeling, chromatin organization, and stress-response processes. To validate genome maintenance-related signals highlighted by proteomics, qPCR showed that BGE increased telomere/replication-associated genes compared with the UV group, including POT1 (2.29-fold) and ORC1 (6.70-fold). In addition, comet assay imaging indicated reduced UV-associated DNA damage features following BGE treatment. Overall, these findings indicate that BGE mitigates UV-induced photoaging phenotypes in fibroblasts, with collagen-related recovery and multi-level protective responses, supporting its potential as a natural bioactive ingredient for anti-photoaging skincare applications.