Search Results (3,282)

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), also referred to as plant exosomes or exosome-like nanovesicles, have emerged as promising natural bioactive nanoparticles for cosmetic and regenerative applications. Owing to their biocompatibility, intrinsic bioactive cargo, and ability to interact with mammalian cells, PDEVs are increasingly investigated as agents for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, photoprotection, pigmentation control, and skin barrier enhancement. However, the available evidence remains fragmented across different plant sources and experimental models. This review aimed to summarize and critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the cosmetic and regenerative properties of PDEVs. Experimental studies investigating the effects of PDEVs on skin cells, reconstructed skin models, animals, or human subjects were systematically identified and analyzed. The available evidence consistently demonstrated that PDEVs promote skin regeneration and tissue repair. The most frequently reported effects included enhanced keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and migration, accelerated wound closure, increased collagen synthesis, reduced oxidative stress, activation of antioxidant defense pathways, and suppression of inflammatory responses. Additional studies reported improvements in skin barrier function, hydration, photoprotection, pigmentation control, and cellular senescence. Collectively, the available studies demonstrate consistent regenerative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective effects of PDEVs. Overall, PDEVs represent multifunctional bioactive nanomaterials with substantial potential for cosmetic applications. While clinical translation remains limited by regulatory and standardization challenges, cosmetic use appears to offer a more immediate route toward commercialization. Further standardization, mechanistic studies, and clinical investigations are required to support the broader implementation of PDEV-based technologies. Full article

Agro-industrial residues have emerged as promising sources of bioactive compounds for dermo-cosmetic applications, particularly as inhibitors of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. However, the interpretation of reported inhibitory activities is frequently complicated by variations in extraction strategies, matrix composition, assay design, and methodological rigor. This critical narrative review examines how these factors collectively influence the reliability, comparability, and translational relevance of enzyme inhibition data obtained from residue-derived extracts. The literature was analyzed using a framework-oriented approach based on representative peer-reviewed studies selected according to their methodological quality, experimental design, and mechanistic relevance. The analysis integrates three complementary dimensions: extraction and processing strategies, compositional complexity of the recovered matrices, and evidence quality supporting the reported bioactivities. The reviewed literature demonstrates that enzyme inhibition is rarely an intrinsic property of isolated compounds but rather an emergent behavior arising from complex physicochemical systems in which synergistic interactions, matrix effects, and assay-dependent artefacts frequently influence the observed responses. The widespread reliance on simplified in vitro screening methods, often without dose–response evaluation, kinetic characterization, or adequate control of assay interference, remains a major obstacle to reproducibility and cross-study comparison. Based on this analysis, an integrative framework is proposed to guide the interpretation of enzyme inhibition in complex botanical extracts by explicitly linking process design, matrix composition, and methodological evidence. This perspective provides a more robust basis for the identification, validation, and industrial translation of sustainable bioactive ingredients obtained from agro-industrial residues for next-generation dermo-cosmetic formulations. Full article

Eye cosmetics, including eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, and eyebrow products, are widely used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the eyes. While generally considered safe, their application to the delicate periocular region can pose significant risks to ocular surface health. Growing clinical and experimental evidence links the use of eye cosmetics to ocular surface disorders, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and meibomian gland dysfunction. These adverse effects may result from mechanical irritation, chemical exposure, microbial contamination, or allergic reactions associated with cosmetic ingredients such as pigments, preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances. In addition, emerging periocular aesthetic procedures and novel formulations containing nanoparticles and complex additives may further contribute to ocular surface instability and inflammation. The growing popularity of eye cosmetics, influenced by social media, cultural trends, and the global beauty industry, underscores the importance of understanding their impact on ocular health. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, types, ocular migration, and potential adverse effects of eye cosmetics and periocular aesthetic practices. By highlighting the clinical implications of cosmetic use on the ocular surface, this study emphasizes the need for evidence-based guidance, safe cosmetic practices, and further research to mitigate lifestyle-related ocular risks. Full article

Amomum tsaoko Crevost & Lem. (AT) is a representative edible, medicinal spice widely used in Southeast Asia for food seasoning and flavor enhancement. Growing evidence suggests that it is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with diverse health-promoting properties, necessitating a systematic synthesis of its functional attributes and underlying mechanisms to better guide future applications. AT has been reported to contain flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, steroids, and volatile oils. These constituents are associated with a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, gastrointestinal protective, and immunomodulatory effects. Due to its functional properties and economic value, AT shows considerable potential for application in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. However, despite its extensive utilization, integrated reviews that systematically link bioactivities, toxicological evidence, and industrial applications remain scarce. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the bioactive compounds, health functions, toxicological evaluation, and industrial applications of AT. Current research progress, key limitations, and future perspectives are critically discussed. Additionally, by providing a comprehensive overview of its multifaceted benefits and applications, this review fills an important gap and offers insights to support further research and multi-sectoral exploitation of AT. Full article

Pleurotus is a genus of edible mushrooms widely cultivated worldwide on various substrates under controlled conditions. Its exceptional adaptability allows the production of biomass with increased macronutrient and mycochemical content. It is an excellent source of crude fiber and polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, which are present in the dry mass of fruiting bodies, estimated as a percentage by weight (10.3% and 25.9%, respectively). The Pleurotus genus possesses a unique mycochemical profile, with numerous studies confirming its antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, and immunomodulatory activities. In the last 10 years, approximately 30 types of polysaccharides were isolated from Pleurotus spp., and their preliminary structures have been studied; however, their fine structures have rarely been reported. The polysaccharides showed immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and hypolipidemic activities, as well as regulation of intestinal flora, although the underlying mechanisms require further study. The unique potential of polysaccharides from Pleurotus spp. can be used as precursors of bioactive layers on various surfaces, including biomaterials, implants, medical devices and cosmetics. This paper reviews the state of the art and describes selected properties of polysaccharides derived from in vitro biomass from Pleurotus spp. cultures as a component of layer materials with confirmed antimicrobial activity. The mechanism of action of these polysaccharide layers on selected microorganisms is described. Pleurotus spp. are among the most valuable and common edible mushrooms species with polysaccharides being one of their active components. Their unique structures, biological activities and structure–activity relationships have been analyzed and discussed to explore future research directions and application prospects. Full article

Sapindus mukorossi, known as soapberry, is a multipurpose woody species with oil-rich kernels and saponin-rich pulp, and its kernel oil and pulp saponins have important applications in oleochemicals, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. However, the mechanism by which carbohydrate-derived carbon is differentially allocated to kernel oil biosynthesis and pulp saponin biosynthesis within the same fruit remains unclear. In this study, we integrated morphological, physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the developmental accumulation patterns of oil and saponins and their relationship with carbohydrate metabolism in S. mukorossi fruit. The fruit reached maturity at approximately 130 days after flowering and was divided into four developmental stages: slow growth, rapid expansion, color transition, and maturation. Kernel oil accumulated in a typical S-shaped pattern and increased rapidly during the middle-to-late developmental stages, whereas pulp saponins increased continuously before maturity and remained stable. At maturity, soluble sugars mainly accumulated in the pulp, while starch was relatively enriched in the kernels, indicating different carbohydrate storage and utilization patterns between the two tissues. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed tissue-specific metabolic regulation: lipid metabolism was preferentially enriched in kernels, whereas terpenoid and secondary metabolic pathways were more active in pulp. Several genes related to fatty acid assembly and oil accumulation, including SmACC, SmLACS, SmGPAT, and SmLPAT, showed kernel-biased expression, while genes involved in the mevalonate (MVA)-dependent triterpenoid saponin pathway, including SmACCT, SmMVK, SmIDI, SmSQE, and SmLUP2, were closely associated with pulp saponin accumulation. Hormone-related transcription factors, such as GRAS and BES1 in kernels and MYC2 in pulp, may contribute to the coordination between carbohydrate metabolism and oil or saponin biosynthesis. Overall, these findings suggest that oil and saponin accumulation in S. mukorossi fruit are regulated by distinct tissue-specific metabolic programs closely linked to carbohydrate metabolism. This study provides new insights into carbon allocation between kernel oil and pulp saponin biosynthesis and identifies candidate pathways and genes for the genetic improvement and resource utilization of S. mukorossi. Full article

Hydrocolloid-based and hydrocolloid-dominant hybrid matrices have developed from conventional rheology modifiers into functional platforms for pharmaceutical and cosmetic delivery. This review focuses on systems in which hydrocolloid chemistry, hydration, ionisation, bioadhesion, and network architecture determine swelling, mechanical behaviour, biocompatibility, and controlled release. The discussion covers alginate, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, pectin, carrageenan, dextran, gellan gum, collagen, cellulose derivatives, and selected hybrid architectures in which synthetic or semi-synthetic components provide a defined responsive function. Rather than treating all smart polymers as a single class, the review compares how pH, enzymatic, redox/ROS, thermo-responsive, magnetic, optical, ultrasound-mediated, and multi-trigger mechanisms operate within hydrocolloid-rich matrices. Pharmaceutical examples are considered across oral, transdermal, injectable depot, wound-healing, and regenerative applications, while cosmetic and cosmeceutical systems are discussed in relation to active stabilisation, dermal residence, barrier support, and personalised skincare. By linking material class, trigger mechanism, route of administration, and translational constraints, the review identifies the main advantages of hydrocolloids as delivery matrices as well as their current limitations, including burst release, modest mechanical strength, hydrophobic-drug loading challenges, sterilisation sensitivity, source variability, and regulatory complexity. Full article

Dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid with recognized antioxidant and biological properties. However, its relatively high polarity limits its applicability in lipid-based systems. In this study, myrtenyl dihydrocaffeate was synthesized through lipase-catalyzed esterification of DHCA with myrtenol using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B. The reaction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology based on a central composite design, yielding an experimental ester yield of 39.94 ± 1.16%. The synthesized ester was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and subsequently evaluated using a combination of experimental and in silico approaches. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ radical scavenging assays, while oxidative stabilization of rapeseed oil was assessed by pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. In silico studies included ADMET profiling, PASS bioactivity prediction, protein target prediction, and molecular docking. These computational analyses were used only as hypothesis-generating tools because the predicted protein targets had low target-probability scores and were not experimentally validated. Myrtenyl dihydrocaffeate retained substantial antioxidant activity and significantly improved the oxidative stability of rapeseed oil, exhibiting protection factors comparable to those of DHCA. The ester also demonstrated mild antimicrobial activity against selected Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, the results indicate that lipophilization of DHCA with myrtenol is an effective strategy for developing lipophilic antioxidant derivatives for lipid-based food, cosmetic, or topical formulations, while the predicted molecular targets require experimental validation. Full article

Fungal-derived compounds are attracting increasing interest in cosmetic science because of their chemical diversity, multifunctional biological activity, and suitability for controlled biotechnological production. Macrofungi produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, sterols, and pigments, many of which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, photoprotective, and barrier-supporting properties relevant to skin health. However, current research is largely limited to isolated metabolites and simplified in vitro models, whereas comparatively little attention has been paid to the performance of fungal-derived compounds in finished cosmetic formulations. In practice, cosmetic efficacy depends not only on biological activity but also on extraction methods, physicochemical stability, formulation compatibility, and delivery efficiency. This review examines fungal-derived bioactive compounds from the perspective of cosmetic formulation and industrial applicability. It discusses how cultivation conditions, extraction procedures, and formulation design influence stability, bioavailability, and cosmetic performance, and critically evaluates extraction technologies, fermentation systems, encapsulation strategies, lipid carriers, hydrogels, and nanoscale delivery platforms. The review also addresses major limitations, including oxidative instability, variability in metabolite composition, limited penetration of high-molecular-weight compounds, and insufficient standardization and clinical validation. Although fungal-derived compounds show considerable promise for multifunctional cosmetic formulations, their broader industrial application will require improved standardization, optimized formulation strategies, and robust clinical evaluation of efficacy and safety. Full article

This review intends to provide an insight into the wide range of possibilities for vegetable oils to be used as solvents to extract natural ingredients for various applications with a special emphasis on antioxidants. The potential of using oils as food-grade solvents for extraction of carotenoids, crocins, curcuminoids, cannabinoids, capsaicinoids, different volatile organic compounds and other lipid-soluble phytochemicals from plant and marine sources and by-products is summarized. Most studies focus on optimizing extraction parameters and evaluating the physical and chemical characteristics of the obtained oily plant extract. On the one hand, these infused or enriched oils can be considered as plant extracts, but on the other hand, one should not ignore the fact that lipid oxidation is a problem that needs to be addressed. The characterization and analysis of the obtained oily extracts is closely related to their specific application in the food or cosmetic industry. Despite all the advantages, disadvantages related to the stability of the fortified oils are discussed as well. Full article

The olive oil industry generates large amounts of by-products, particularly olive pomace and olive mill wastewater, which represent valuable sources of polyphenolic compounds with well-recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and health-promoting properties. Within the framework of the circular economy, the valorization of these olive-derived residues has emerged as a promising strategy for converting low-value waste into high-added-value ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in sustainable extraction and sample preparation approaches for the recovery of olive polyphenols, including ultrasound-, microwave-, enzyme-, and membrane-assisted technologies, as well as the use of green solvents and environmentally friendly extraction systems. Furthermore, the review discusses advanced analytical strategies for the identification and quantification of olive-derived polyphenols, covering chromatographic, spectrometric, electrophoretic, and miniaturized analytical platforms. Special attention is given to biopolymer-based encapsulation systems developed to enhance stability, controlled release, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of these bioactive compounds. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives regarding the integration of green extraction technologies, analytical methodologies, and advanced delivery systems are highlighted to promote the sustainable exploitation of olive by-products within a circular economy framework. Full article

Background: The cosmetic industry is a rapidly expanding, high-value sector that drives continuous research into biologically active compounds and advanced delivery technologies aimed at improving skin health. Objective: To investigate the biological activity of apple-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) and to evaluate strategies to enhance the transcutaneous penetration of ADEV-based formulations. Methods: In vitro, purified ADEVs were characterized in terms of size distribution and concentration. Their internalization was assessed in different cell types, and gene expression analysis was performed in treated cellular models. Ex vivo, PKH26-labeled ADEVs were applied to human surgical skin samples, either alone or in combination with microneedling (MN) using different procedural protocols. Fluorescence distribution was quantified in both epidermal and dermal compartments. Results: ADEV characterization showed a size range of 102–160 nm and a particle concentration of 9.48 × 10¹¹ particles/mL, together with morphological features consistent with EVs. ADEVs demonstrated efficient cellular internalization in vitro and modulated the expression of selected target genes (CDH5, NOS3, KLF2, and KLF4). In the ex vivo model, fluorescence signal associated with PKH26-labeled ADEV-based formulations was detected within human skin layers. A significant treatment effect was observed in both epidermal (F = 33.57, p < 0.001) and dermal compartments (F = 7.57, p = 0.018), with the highest fluorescence signal consistently detected when EV application was preceded by MN (MN + EVs). Notably, ADEV-based formulation alone also induced a significant increase in the epidermis compared with untreated controls, although of lower magnitude than that observed following MN pre-treatment. Conclusions: These findings support a controlled evaluation of microneedling as a strategy to enhance the distribution of ADEV-based formulations within human skin, highlighting the importance of application sequence. More broadly, this work contributes to the development of standardized and reproducible delivery approaches, while underscoring the need for further methodological refinement to achieve vesicle-specific tracking in complex tissues. Full article

Cyclodextrins are cyclic carbohydrates capable of forming inclusion complexes with a wide range of molecules, thereby improving their solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Traditionally, cyclodextrins have been extensively applied in the food industry owing to their functionality and safety profile. However, their use in cosmeceuticals, a rapidly growing area that lies between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, remains relatively underexplored. Given the increasing demand for scientifically validated, high-performance skincare formulations, cyclodextrins are emerging as promising compounds that can address several formulation challenges. The principal question is whether cyclodextrins represent a worthwhile investment for the future of cosmeceutical innovation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the current and potential roles of cyclodextrins as safe, effective, and multifunctional carriers in advanced skincare science. The current state of research on the application of cyclodextrins in cosmeceutical formulations is evaluated, with particular focus on active ingredients commonly used in dermatological care, such as vitamins A and C, coenzyme Q10, kojic acid, arbutin, and UV filters. For each of these compounds, relevant in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are reviewed in order to assess how cyclodextrin complexation influences key parameters, including solubility, stability, controlled release, skin penetration, and the reduction in adverse reactions. In addition, the use of cyclodextrins in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and rosacea is examined, highlighting their potential value, particularly in combination with azelaic acid and salicylic acid, well-known agents used to manage these conditions. Beyond their advantages, the limitations and challenges that currently restrict broader implementation of cyclodextrins in cosmeceuticals are also discussed, including cost variability, solubility constraints with certain substances, formulation incompatibilities, and regulatory considerations. Future perspectives are explored, particularly the development of novel modified and amphiphilic cyclodextrins, as well as their integration into nanotechnology-based systems and into intelligent, personalized skincare. Full article

Postbiotics are defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host. Although interest in postbiotics has increased substantially, their translational use in functional foods remains insufficiently characterized with respect to preparation identity, production methodology, food-matrix compatibility, mechanistic specificity, and regulatory positioning. This PRISMA-guided structured review aims to synthesize current evidence on postbiotics in functional food and nutraceutical contexts, with particular emphasis on preparation-based characterization, gut–brain axis-related mechanisms and clinical findings, food matrix applicability, and regulatory and health-claim considerations. Unlike broader postbiotic reviews that mainly address definitions, general health effects, or technological stability, this review integrates preparation identity, production process, gut–brain axis-related evidence, food matrix compatibility, and regulatory/health-claim translation within a single functional food framework. A structured literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection and was completed on 16 February 2026. The search strategy included three conceptual blocks: postbiotic and inactivation-based preparation terms, functional food/nutraceutical and food matrix terms, and gut–brain axis-related clinical and mechanistic terms. Cosmetic, topical, veterinary, animal feed, and aquaculture-focused publications were excluded. The export files contained 131 records from Scopus and 136 from the Web of Science Core Collection, yielding 267 records after applying document-type and language filters. After manually removing duplicates, 237 unique records were screened. Following title/abstract screening, 176 records were excluded as outside the scope of the review, and 61 publications were retained for full-text assessment and final thematic synthesis. The review was reported according to applicable PRISMA 2020 items. The evidence was organized into three thematic domains: gut–brain axis-related clinical findings, mechanistic evidence, and food matrix/product development applications. Heat-inactivated preparations, including Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SNK12, have shown preliminary effects on stress-related symptoms, sleep quality, and selected neuroendocrine or inflammatory biomarkers in human studies. Mechanistic pathways include gut barrier integrity, immunomodulation, short-chain fatty acid signaling, tryptophan–kynurenine–serotonin metabolism, vagal communication, and regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Food matrix studies support the potential application of postbiotics in fermented dairy products, cereal-based systems, plant-based matrices, powders, concentrates, and bioactive packaging; however, matrix-dependent effects on bioavailability, sensory quality, and biological activity remain incompletely defined. Postbiotics provide a stable translational platform for functional-food development, but their scientific and commercial use requires clear characterization of the microbial source, production process, inactivation method, retained active fractions, dose metric, delivery matrix, and clinically meaningful endpoint. Future studies should avoid broad category-level claims and prioritize preparation- and matrix-defined human evidence with standardized safety reporting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Widely distributed in the Adriatic Sea, the invasive green alga Caulerpa cylindracea poses ecological risks but also constitutes a largely untapped source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize its metabolomic profile, phenolic composition, and antioxidant capacity to explore its potential for biotechnological use. Methods: Samples from the Northern Adriatic Sea were extracted with water, 70% ethanol, and 80% methanol. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by LC-QqQ, while untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed using LC-qTOF. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and non-flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results: Metabolomic profiling demonstrated a clear solvent-dependent differentiation, with aqueous extracts enriched in polar metabolites, while organic extracts contained higher levels of lipid-derived and secondary metabolites. Antioxidant assays indicated that aqueous extracts exhibited the strongest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS), whereas the highest reducing capacity (FRAP) was observed in ethanolic extracts. In addition, total flavonoid content was greatest in the ethanol extracts. Conclusions: These results highlight its potential for valorization as a sustainable resource in food, cosmetic, and biomedical applications, while also supporting approaches for managing its spread. Full article