Search Results (298)

Background/Objectives: Dioscorea batatas Decne (yam), which contains various bioactive compounds, has been utilized in the cosmetics industry, while most of the peel of D. batatas (DBP) is discarded without further use. Recent studies have shown that DBP contains higher levels of bioactive substances than the rhizome flesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin biological activities of DBP extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70% EtOH DBP), 95% ethanol (95% EtOH DBP), and ethyl acetate (EA DBP), with particular attention to their antioxidant-associated protective effects. Methods: Skin-related bioactivities of DBP extracts prepared using ultrasonic extraction were evaluated using in vitro tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) assays, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT viability assays, and Western blot analysis of pro-collagen type I alpha 1(Pro-COL1A1) and MMP-1 in HDF cells. In addition, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of DBP extracts and representative DBP derivatives were assessed. Results: DBP extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and reduced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. DBP extracts also protected skin cells from UVB by increasing the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated HDF cells, DBP extracts restored Pro-COL1A1 expression and suppressed MMP-1 levels. Additionally, DBP extracts inhibited MMP-1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The DBP extracts themselves exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, with EA DBP showing the highest vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity among the tested extracts. Representative DBP-derived phenanthrene compounds also showed radical scavenging activities, supporting the antioxidant potential of peel-derived phytochemicals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DBP extracts possess skin-whitening and anti-photoaging effects and suggest that these protective activities may be associated with the antioxidant potential of both DBP extracts and DBP derivatives. Full article

Polyphenolic compounds extracted from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) were used as natural chelating ligands to synthesize copper–polyphenol complexes, which were subsequently immobilized on sericite to obtain hybrid organic–inorganic materials. The complexes were prepared under controlled pH and temperature conditions, yielding structures with different Cu–polyphenol ratios. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of Cu(II)–polyphenol chelates, partial reduction to Cu(I) species at higher pH values, and the deposition of mixed Cu₂O/CuO phases on the layered sericite substrate. Copper–polyphenol superstructures, copper nanoparticles, and copper oxide crystallites were heterogeneously distributed depending on synthesis conditions and metal–ligand ratios. The hybrid materials exhibited modified optical properties, combining the intrinsic reflectance of sericite with UV absorption from polyphenols and copper species. When incorporated into an emulsion matrix, the materials showed promising UV-screening performance, with SPF-equivalent values ranging from 7 to 33 depending on concentration. Antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that copper–polyphenol complexes displayed enhanced activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans compared to the natural extract, while sericite-supported hybrids retained selective efficacy, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. These results indicate the potential of dandelion-derived copper complexes and their sericite hybrids as multifunctional bioactive agents for cosmetic dermatology applications. Full article

Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq. var. Jaguar) leaves are an underutilized by-product with potential as a source of polyphenols. This study evaluated UAE/NADES extraction as a tunable strategy to modulate selective polyphenol recovery rather than only maximizing total yield. A 2 × 3 × 2 factorial design was used to assess the hydrogen-bond acceptor (HBA) in fructose-based NADES, choline chloride (ChCl) or malic acid (MAc), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) time (10, 20, and 30 min), and leaf drying method: freeze-drying (FzD) or oven-drying (OvD). Total phenolic content (TPC, Folin–Ciocalteu), antioxidant capacity (Ax, DPPH assay), and individual polyphenols by UPLC-DAD were determined. The highest TPC was obtained with ChCl from FzD leaves after 10 min of UAE (36.18 ± 0.70 mg GAE/g dry leaf). Maximum Ax was observed in OvD leaves after 30 min and was similar between HBAs (ChCl: 86.43 ± 0.65%; MAc: 86.95 ± 0.18%). UPLC-DAD confirmed compound-dependent selectivity, with catechin favored in MAc-FzD at 20 min (51.14 ± 1.07 mg/g dry leaf), chlorogenic acid in MAc-OvD at 10 min (16.05 ± 0.09 mg/g dry leaf), and quercetin + luteolin in MAc-FzD at 10 min (5.37 ± 0.05 mg/g dry leaf). This selective behavior may be associated with HBA-dependent solvent–solute affinity, polarity, hydrogen-bonding interactions, UAE-driven mass transfer, and drying-induced matrix changes. It is important to note that TPC, antioxidant capacity, and individual polyphenols showed a decoupled response, indicating that the overall spectrophotometric parameters did not necessarily reflect the polyphenol profile. Overall, the results show that UAE/NADES conditions can be directed toward target polyphenol profiles, supporting the valorization of C. chinense leaves as a source of tailored polyphenol extracts for future food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or nutraceutical applications. Full article

This study proposes an integrated and more circular management approach, grounded in the principles of sustainable and green chemical processes, for the food waste leachates management, combining the assessment of biomethane production potential via anaerobic digestion with the evaluation of value-added compound recovery through extraction processes. The food waste leachates were characterized, while total carotenoid profile and total phenolic content were quantified using liquid–liquid extraction with mixed organic solvents. An HS-SPME coupled with GC–MS was employed to identify volatile organic compounds present in the leachates. Prior to the extraction procedure, D-limonene exhibited the highest abundance among identified volatiles. Crucially, the subsequent solvent extraction is highly likely to have effectively removed this inhibitory terpene from the liquid matrix. Extracted leachates exhibited a total carotenoid content of 0.64 mg/100 g and a total phenolic content of 127.0 μg/g, acting as preliminary indicators of significant potential for recovery and utilization in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Biomethane potential tests were conducted in laboratory-scale anaerobic bioreactors using both raw food waste leachate and extracted food waste leachate. Comparable biomethane yields were obtained for both substrates, with FWL yielding 442.5 NmL/g VS_added and FWL_extr yielding 452.2 NmL/g VS_added. These results demonstrate that the liquid–liquid extraction of value-added compounds does not adversely affect biomethane production from food waste leachates enabling the recovery of valuable by-products. Full article

The demand for eco-friendly viscosity modifiers in food, cosmetics, and lubricants has increased, promoting the development of high-performance, sustainable materials. Low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) are promising candidates, though their behavior in complex systems remains underexplored. In this study, a novel alkylamido isophthalic acid-based LMWG (AIPA–gallic acid) was synthesized. Its performance was evaluated in vegetable oil, mineral oil, and cocoa butter using rheological measurements across varying concentrations and temperatures, with all dynamic rheological measurements conducted in the viscoelastic region. Cacao butter is solid at 15 °C, so the flow curve that can be obtained at this temperature should show high values not comparable with the other liquid oils. No slippage phenomenon was observed. Using a step-rate protocol before acquiring the flow curves, no time-dependent behavior (thixotropy) was observed. Frequency and flow sweep tests were used to assess viscoelastic properties, interaction strength, and coordination number. Results revealed that incorporating AIPA–gallic acid at 4 wt% increased the viscosity by 74 times (at 25 °C) in mineral oil, compared to an increase of about four orders of magnitude in vegetable oil. This suggests the formation of intermolecular interactions that lead to an increased momentum transport process, which is significantly higher in vegetable oil. In contrast, cocoa butter exhibited minimal rheological changes, suggesting that no gelation occurred. Analysis using the weak gel model confirmed that viscosity enhancement arises from a structured network in mineral and vegetable oils, but not in cocoa butter. Temperature-dependent variations in structural parameters further highlight the role of molecular interactions between the gelator and the oil matrix. Full article

Occupational safety is increasingly addressed through engineering-based, proactive risk management approaches that emphasize early identification and mitigation of hazards within industrial systems. In manufacturing environments, the analysis of minor process deviations, near misses, and low-impact operational failures provides critical insights for improving system reliability and safety performance. This paper proposes an integrated engineering framework that combines the 5M model (Environment, Man, Method, Material, Machine) with Source–Detection Matrix analysis to support structured identification, classification, and control of safety-related process deviations. The approach enables systematic root-cause analysis by categorizing contributing factors according to the 5M model, followed by mapping each deviation based on its origin and point of detection within production processes. The methodology was validated through case studies conducted in cosmetics and perfumery manufacturing, involving process-related hazards such as electrical failures and exposure to volatile substances. Validation was also supported by operational data collected over two 6-month periods before (n₁) and after implementation (n₂), based on incident reports, near-miss records, nonconformity reports, and internal audit data (n₁ = 128; n₂ = 95). Quantitative results show improved safety performance, including an increase in Detection at Source Rate from 42% to 74% and a reduction in Minor Incident Frequency from 11 to 5 cases/month. The results demonstrate that integrating causal analysis with detection mapping enhances early-stage identification of process deviations, effectively limiting failure propagation across operational stages and improving overall process safety performance. The proposed framework provides a practical and data-driven tool for improving process reliability, operational safety, and continuous improvement in complex manufacturing environments. Full article

Skin aging is characterized by decreased collagen synthesis and increased extracellular matrix degradation, leading to wrinkle formation and reduced skin elasticity. This study evaluated the anti-aging potential of hydrolyzed fish skin (HFS) extract through complementary in vitro and clinical investigations. In human dermal fibroblasts, treatment with HFS extract enhanced type I procollagen production and suppressed UVB-induced matrix-degrading enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and elastase, suggesting a mechanism that supports dermal matrix homeostasis. A randomized, double-blind, split-face clinical trial was conducted in 20 female participants over 12 weeks. A formulation containing 0.5% HFS extract was applied to one side of the face, while an identical vehicle control formulation without HFS extract was applied to the contralateral side. Wrinkle parameters were assessed using a three-dimensional imaging system. After 12 weeks, the test group showed significant improvements compared to baseline, with reductions of 12.75% in arithmetic mean roughness (Ra), 12.46% in root mean square roughness (Rq), and 11.32% in maximum wrinkle height (Rmax) (p < 0.05). No adverse events were observed. These findings demonstrate that HFS extract improves wrinkle-related skin parameters, potentially through promoting collagen synthesis while inhibiting matrix degradation. The combined molecular and clinical evidence supports its application as a functional cosmetic ingredient in anti-aging formulations. Full article

Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring bioactive glycoprotein that is part of the body’s innate immune system and has essential roles in iron metabolism, microbial defense, inflammation regulation, and tissue repair. It supports the natural regulation of iron bioavailability in skin and hair follicles, helping to reduce excess free-iron-driven oxidative stress while preserving levels of necessary iron for cellular functions. Lactoferrin promotes cell regeneration by increasing proliferation across in vitro systems, stimulating wound healing in scratch assays, and boosting matrix production in fibroblast models. Lactoferrin can also modulate inflammatory signaling involved in skin and hair physiology by providing balanced cytokine suppression, suggesting potential value in cosmetic or dermatological applications. Here, we present the first focused summary of lactoferrin’s role specifically in skin and hair biology, distinguished from prior reviews in systemic or multi-system broad health contexts. We link mechanistic insights with clinical and preclinical evidence and uniquely map molecular functions to dermatologic and trichologic outcomes. We also provide an overview of clinical skin studies that have explored lactoferrin as a supportive agent in conditions such as acne, and highlight that, despite mechanistic plausibility, there are no existing available reports of well-controlled human clinical trials leveraging lactoferrin for hair-focused outcomes. In summary, we propose lactoferrin as not just an anti-inflammatory molecule, but also as a microenvironment stabilizer, and particularly relevant for hair and skin support as an alternative to pharmacological interventions. By addressing both established and underexplored applications, this review provides a translational framework for clinical development and provides a comprehensive rationale behind leveraging lactoferrin for hair and skin epithelial health. Full article

Exosomes are revolutionizing skincare as natural messengers for cell communication, yet their transition into cosmetics is often limited by the ethical and regulatory hurdles of their animal or human sourcing. This study describes the development and validation of vegan exosome-like biomimetic vesicles (EBVs) generated from the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that reproduce the structural and functional logic of mammalian exosomes. Their structural biomimetism was confirmed through physical, lipidomic, and proteomic characterizations, revealing bilamellar vesicles (average diameter ~160 nm) containing 109 membrane lipids and 1369 proteins. Their functional biomimetism was assessed via 3′ mRNA sequencing, which showed that the EBVs induced transcriptional responses in human fibroblasts functionally analogous to human-derived exosomes in matrix-remodeling and anti-aging pathways. In vitro, the EBVs showed a 166.7% higher dermal delivery bias than standard liposomes and accelerated wound healing. Ex vivo, 2% EBVs protected skin explants against UV-A stress, showing 92% protective efficacy for excessive melanin production upon oxidative stress. Furthermore, the EBVs supported hair follicle anagen markers and follicle stem cell metabolism, significantly upregulating SOX9 (p = 0.0022). A 56-day placebo-controlled clinical study confirmed significant improvements in wrinkle depth (−12.2%), elasticity (+4.9%), and radiance (+20.0%). These results position EBVs as a scalable, high-performance alternative for next-generation anti-aging cosmetic applications. Full article

The environmental burden from cosmetic production has intensified interest in sustainable and scientifically robust raw materials. Among the emerging alternatives, agro-industrial residues are gaining attention as chemically rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential for dermocosmetic applications. However, research on their molecular activity, formulation performance, and industrial feasibility remains fragmented across the fields of sustainability, dermatology, and engineering. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the phytochemical composition of extracts from agro-residues. It also critically examines their effects on key skin-related pathways, including oxidative stress modulation, extracellular matrix regulation, inflammation, senescence, and barrier function. Compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, peptides, and polysaccharides have been reported to influence signaling networks, including Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Importantly, most of this evidence originates from in vitro and ex vivo studies on animal models, while controlled human and clinical studies remain limited; thus, mechanistic findings should not be equated with proven dermocosmetic efficacy. Nevertheless, challenges remain, such as compositional variability, safety-validation requirements, limited skin bioavailability and stability of bioactives in finished formulations, and limitations in scalable green extraction. Economic modeling and life-cycle assessment also highlight the need to verify both financial and environmental viability. Advancing agro-residue-derived bioactives toward mainstream cosmetic use will require strategies that integrate molecular characterization, regulatory alignment, rigorous claims substantiation and sustainable process optimization. Full article

Hydrodistillation of aromatic plants for essential oil production generates substantial amounts of solid and liquid residues that are commonly discarded despite their potential value as sources of bioactive compounds. In this study, the essential oil and post-distillation residues of Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja were evaluated within a waste-to-value framework to recover phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Dry extracts obtained from liquid (DEA) and solid (DEE) residues were characterized in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity (DPPH assays), and antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Quantitative HPLC–PDA analysis revealed multiple phenolic compounds. Extracts derived from solid residues exhibited significantly higher phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity than those obtained from liquid residues, indicating that solid by-products constitute a richer phenolic matrix. Antimicrobial assays revealed pronounced activity for extracts prepared from plant material harvested in October, particularly those based on propylene glycol and glycerin, which were effective against both Gram-positive bacteria and selected Gram-negative clinical isolates. The essential oil showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including inhibition of Aspergillus niger. Stability studies demonstrated that the phenolic composition and bioactivity of the dry extracts were largely preserved after one year of storage. These findings demonstrate that R. tomentosum hydrodistillation residues represent a promising source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, supporting their potential utilization as value-added ingredients in food and cosmetic applications and contributing to circular economy strategies. Full article

Background: UVA-induced photoaging is driven by a self-reinforcing cycle of persistent oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Quercetin (Que) offers potent photoprotective potential, yet its clinical utility is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability. Objective: To develop a stable quercetin delivery system and evaluate its protective efficacy against UVA-induced photoaging via the NRF2/NF-κB signaling axis. Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified potential targets. An oil-in-water (O/W) nano-emulsion was formulated and characterized. Its effects were evaluated in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (HSFs; 1.2 J/cm²/day for 5 days) and a BALB/c mouse model (20 J/cm²/day for 8 weeks). Results: Network pharmacology identified 85 shared targets between Quercetin and photoaging. Molecular docking confirmed high affinities (binding energies < −7.0 kcal/mol) for NRF2, NF-κB p65, SOD2, and MMP-1. The optimized O/W nano-emulsion (144–154 nm, Zeta potential −38 to −43 mV) enhanced Quercetin solubility by 175-fold and followed Higuchi release kinetics. In HSFs, 30 μm Quercetin reduced SA-β-Gal positivity from 45.8% to 12.5% (73% inhibition), decreased ROS by 66%, and restored Type I collagen intensity to 82 ± 3 a.u. In vivo, topical 0.3% Que emulsion significantly attenuated skin-fold thickening (reducing thickness from 3135 μm to 2170 μm; 30.6% reduction) and achieved a 91% collagen retention rate. Mechanistically, Quercetin treatment significantly upregulated NRF2 and SOD2 expression while suppressing the NF-κB p65/MMP-1/3 inflammatory axis at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Topical Quercetin emulsion effectively facilitates dermal delivery and alleviates UVA-induced photoaging by rebalancing the NRF2/NF-κB axis, thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses and preserving ECM integrity. This formulation represents a robust strategy for skin photoprotection and functional cosmetic intervention. Full article

Epidermal barrier dysfunction, driven by disorganization and altered composition of the stratum corneum (SC) lipid matrix, underlies multiple inflammatory dermatoses, namely atopic dermatitis (AD). The lipid fraction derived from Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) biomass has emerged as a promising biomaterial for skin health applications, particularly for restoring barrier function. Following previous work on the development of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) incorporating BSFL lipid extract, the present study focused on the mechanistic evaluation of the occlusive, moisturizing and skin reinforcement potential of these nanoformulations (NFs), by exploring both in vitro and in vivo models. The compatibility assays showed no adverse effects after patch testing on healthy or atopic individuals, nor alterations on skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), or redness. In vitro studies confirmed the ability of these NFs to form an occlusive lipid film, hampering moisture loss, with 39% reduction of water loss compared to the control. Efficacy assays in human volunteers revealed a statistically significant improvement in epidermal conditions at treated sites, evidenced by enhanced SC hydration. The plastic occlusion stress test (POST) revealed a trend toward a reduced evaporation half-life, suggesting a modulation of the epidermal water dynamics, although the effect did not reach statistical significance. Overall, BSFL-based lipid nanoparticles emerge as emollient agents with broad potential for incorporation into next-generation cosmetic and pharmaceutical products for the management of AD. Full article

Rose hip processing generates seed-rich by-products that remain underexplored beyond oil extraction, despite their potential as a source of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. This study investigates the effect of bioprocessing (short-term fermentation) on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of rose hip (Rosa spp.) seed by-products, with relevance to cosmetic-oriented applications related to oxidative stress modulation. Rose hip seeds were obtained after juice production and subjected to short-term fermentation (14 days at 21 °C) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, followed by mechanical separation and drying. Non-fermented and bioprocessed seeds were analyzed for individual phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), and correlation and multivariate analyses were conducted. Bioprocessing reduced total identified phenolics from 15.79 to 10.72 mg/g DW (≈32%), primarily due to a decrease in epigallocatechin (10.89 to 6.50 mg/g DW). In parallel, the relative contribution of phenolic acids increased, including gallic acid (0.50 to 0.60 mg/g DW) and salicylic acid (0.98 to 1.20 mg/g DW), indicating a selective compositional redistribution accompanied by partial degradation. Antioxidant activity decreased after bioprocessing (DPPH ~340 to ~250 µmol TE/g DW) but remained substantial. Correlation analysis identified epigallocatechin as the main contributor to antioxidant capacity. These findings show that rose hip seeds behave as a process-sensitive phenolic matrix in which bioprocessing alters the balance of individual compounds without complete loss of antioxidant activity. The results indicate that seed-derived by-products retain functional potential for further valorization in cosmetic-oriented applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign cartilaginous bone tumor, accounting for less than 1% of all primary bone tumors. Although CMF most commonly arises in the metaphysis of long bones, involvement of the phalanges of the toes is uncommon. We report a pediatric case of CMF arising in the distal phalanx of the second toe that recurred four years after initial surgical treatment and discuss its management. Methods: A 10-year-old girl presented with a painless mass in the distal phalanx of the second toe. Imaging studies demonstrated an expansile osteolytic lesion with cortical thinning, showing a somewhat aggressive radiologic appearance. Intralesional curettage and debridement were performed to preserve the digit, and the bone defect was reconstructed using allogenic cancellous bone graft and demineralized bone matrix. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CMF. Results: Four years later, the patient returned with progressive enlargement of the lesion, indicating tumor recurrence. Because of the recurrent nature of the tumor and progressive cosmetic deformity and recurrence-related anxiety, distal phalangectomy was performed. At the one-year follow-up, the patient showed no evidence of recurrence and maintained satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. Conclusions: CMF of the toe phalanx may show delayed recurrence after curettage, requiring prolonged radiologic surveillance. In recurrent cases, definitive resection should be considered based on a combination of oncologic, anatomic, and patient-centered factors, with distal phalangectomy providing reliable local control in anatomically expendable digits. Full article