Search Results (189)

Seeds of Cucurbitaceae crops represent a promising yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications beyond nutrition, particularly in the cosmetics industry. This review examines the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), focusing on their biochemical composition and evaluating their functional value in natural cosmetic development. Although these fruits are widely consumed, industrial processing generates substantial seed by-products that are often discarded. These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals, positioning them as sustainable raw materials for value-added applications. The incorporation of seed-derived extracts into cosmetic formulations offers multiple skin and hair benefits, including antioxidant activity, hydration, and support in managing conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. They also contribute to hair care by improving oil balance, reducing frizz, and enhancing strand nourishment. However, challenges such as environmental instability and low dermal permeability of seed oils have prompted interest in nanoencapsulation technologies to improve delivery, stability, and efficacy. This review summarizes current scientific findings and highlights the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as innovative and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic and personal care applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic factors, features of the acute infection, and post-infection health status in survivors of COVID-19, assessing their association with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Methods: A multidisciplinary public clinic in Brazil assessed COVID-19 survivors between June 2020 and February 2022. Patients were classified as having PACS or subacute infection (SI). Data on the history of the acute infection, current symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings were collected and analyzed using multivariate models with PACS as the outcome. Results: Among the 113 participants, 63.71% were diagnosed with PACS at a median of 130 days (IQR: 53–196) following acute symptom onset. Admission to the intensive care unit was more frequent among individuals with PACS than those with SI (83.3% vs. 65.0% respectively; p = 0.037). Symptoms significantly more prevalent in the PACS group when compared to the SI cohort included hair loss (44.4% vs. 17.1% respectively; p = 0.004), lower limb paresthesia (34.7% vs. 9.8% respectively; p = 0.003), and slow thinking speed (28.2% vs. 0.0% respectively; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that only the time interval between the onset of acute symptoms and the clinical evaluation was independently associated with a PACS diagnosis (β = 0.057; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with PACS had a higher frequency of intensive care unit admission compared to those with subacute infection. However, in the multivariate analysis, the severity of the acute infection did not predict the final diagnosis of PACS, which was associated only with the time elapsed since symptom onset. Full article

Plasma-activated water (PAW), enriched with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), presents oxidative and antimicrobial characteristics with potential in cosmetic applications. This study examined the effects of two PAW formulations—nitrate-rich (PAW-N) and peroxide-rich (PAW-P)—on human hair types classified as straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), and coily/kinky (Type 4). The impact of PAW on hair structure and chemistry was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and physicochemical analyses of the liquids (pH, ORP, conductivity, and TDS). PAW-N, with high nitrate content (~500 mg/L), low pH (2.15), and elevated conductivity (6244 µS/cm), induced significant damage to porous hair types, including disulfide bond cleavage, protein oxidation, and lipid degradation, as indicated by FTIR and EDS data. SEM confirmed severe cuticle disruption. In contrast, PAW-P, containing >25 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide and exhibiting milder acidity and lower ionic strength, caused more localized and controlled oxidation with minimal morphological damage. Straight hair showed greater resistance to both treatments, while coily and wavy hair were more susceptible, particularly to PAW-N. These findings suggest that the formulation and ionic profile of PAW should be matched to hair porosity for safe oxidative treatments, supporting the use of PAW-P as a gentler alternative in hair care technologies. Full article

In recent decades, there has been a marked surge in the development of marine-by-product-derived ingredients for cosmetic applications, driven by the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and high-performance formulations. Marine animal by-products, particularly those from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, represent an abundant yet underutilized source of bioactive compounds with notable potential in cosmeceutical innovation. Generated as waste from the fishery and seafood-processing industries, these materials are rich in valuable bioactives, such as chitosan, collagen, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, polar lipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, pigments, phenolics, and mineral-based substrates like hydroxyapatite. Marine by-product bioactives can be isolated via several extraction methods, and most importantly, green ones. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of skin-health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-wrinkle, anti-hyperpigmentation, and wound-healing properties. Moreover, applications extend beyond skincare to include hair, nail, and oral care. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of bioactives obtained from marine mollusks, crustaceans, and fish by-products, emphasizing modern extraction technologies with a focus on green and sustainable approaches. It further explores their mechanisms of action and documented efficacy in cosmetic formulations. Finally, the review outlines current limitations and offers future perspectives for the industrial valorization of marine by-products in functional and environmentally-conscious cosmetic development. Full article

Excessive hair loss can negatively impact psychological well-being and personal appearance. Providing effective hair growth products containing natural ingredients to people with hair loss can solve this problem. This study investigates Biosea^® Revive serum (BRS), a novel hair care product containing biotinoyl tripeptide-1 and Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as the main ingredients, as a natural intervention for hair growth. Results from the in vitro study demonstrates that BRS not only increased human hair dermal papilla cell (HHDPC) cell proliferation, but also reduced reactive oxygen species generation and 5α-reductase expression when compared to the control group, with BRS showing similar effect to the positive control, minoxidil. In addition, a 90-day clinical trial with 40 participants (KMUHIRB-F(I)-20230125; approval date: 18 August 2023) was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of BRS. The results revealed that BRS can improve hair density and quality in both men and women participants, with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in women (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no adverse effects on blood parameters or scalp irritation reported after BRS treatment. In conclusion, we suggest that BRS offers a safe and effective solution for improving hair follicle health and is suitable for long-term use. Full article

The expected cutaneous adverse effects (CAE) of oncology therapies can be disabling and even force the patient to discontinue treatment. The incorporation of cosmetics into skin care regimens (SCRs) as true therapeutic adjuvants can prevent, control, and avoid sequelae. However, cosmetics may also lead to adverse reactions in patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the tolerability of cosmetics used in routine skin care on quality of life in this vulnerable population group through a survey. In addition, information was collected to improve the knowledge of the beneficial effects of cosmetics and the composition recommended. Hospital nurses guided the patients to fill in the surveys, which were done once. The main uses are related to daily hygiene care, photoprotection, and dermo-cosmetic treatment to prevent or at least reduce the skin’s adverse effects. More than 30% (36.36%) of patients perceived undesirable effects or discomfort with the use of cosmetics (27.27% in the facial area, 27.27% in the body and hands, and 22.73% in the scalp and hair). Intolerance was described for some soaps and creams used in the facial area. This study provides additional evidence on perceived tolerance supporting updates of clinical practice guidelines, highlights consolidated knowledge and evidence on the use of cosmetics, as well as new recommendations on the use and composition of cosmetics intended for oncological patients. There is a need for more knowledge about cosmetic ingredients and formulations, including ingredients of concern, such as endocrine disruptors. Full article

Vulvar hygiene is an important part of general hygiene: the goals are to clear the vulvar area of microbial and cellular debris and vaginal and fecal secretions, ensure local comfort, provide natural levels of hydration, and protect the vulvar microbiota. There are few national and international guidelines on vulvar hygiene. We searched the PubMed database up until 30 November 2024, using logical combinations of the following terms: hygiene, washing, vulva, vulvar, microbiota, hydration, syndet, soap, detergent, water, and customs. The abstracts were reviewed, and potentially relevant full-text articles were retrieved and examined. The subregions of the vulva vary with regard to the presence of sweat and sebaceous glands, the keratin content, the water content, the pH, and the microbiota (notably Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Prevotella). An alteration in the vulvar microbiota can cause an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, and vice versa. Vaginal douching may have negative effects on vulvar microbiota. Hair removal might increase the risk of long-term dermatological complications. Repeated washing with water alone exposes the stratum corneum to damage, and washing with soap alters the stratum corneum proteins and lipids, increases skin water loss, and accentuates the risk of irritation. Syndet-based products have a mild detergent effect, promotion of hydration, a suitable pH for the vulvar area, and protection of the vulvar microbiota. Syndet-based products (containing a blend of surfactants, emollients, antioxidants, and buffering agents) appear to be the most appropriate for vulvar care. Full article

Hair is continuously exposed to various damaging factors in daily life, necessitating effective protective strategies that balance efficacy with environmental sustainability. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly hair protective coating using casein proteins crosslinked with tannic acid via riboflavin phosphate-mediated photo-initiation. Casein solutions containing tannic acid (0.05% w/v) and riboflavin phosphate (0.01–0.1% w/v) were prepared and applied to virgin Asian hair, followed by blue light irradiation to initiate crosslinking. The coating formation mechanism was investigated through rheological characterization, which confirmed successful network formation with optimal mechanical stability at a 0.05% tannic acid concentration. Chemical analysis using FTIR spectroscopy revealed subtle but meaningful interactions between the coating components, while SEM analysis demonstrated the coating’s integration with the hair surface. Mechanical property evaluations showed that the photo-crosslinked coating significantly enhanced hair tensile strength by approximately 21% compared to untreated hair, while maintaining appropriate elasticity. Region-specific analysis of stress–strain behavior indicated that the coating extended the initial Hookean region while preserving natural resistance in the post-yield region, creating a balanced enhancement in mechanical properties. This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional hair treatments by utilizing natural, food-grade components and mild processing conditions, addressing growing demands for sustainable hair care solutions that effectively protect against daily damage. Full article

Humans are exposed to pollutants daily through various routes, including skin contact. A key concern is the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can mimic, block or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, in many everyday items, among which are personal care products. We set up a chromatographic method to simultaneously assess the occurrence of nine endocrine disruptors and to verify the compliance with mandatory regulations concerning the potential fraudulent additions of preservatives. A total of twenty-six haircare products were collected and analyzed. The limits of detection ranged from 0.052 μg mL⁻¹ to 1.744 μg mL⁻¹, while the limits of quantification ranged from 0.175 μg mL⁻¹ to 5.815 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Analyte recovery was between 66% and 87%, demonstrating the accuracy of the method in these target formulations. Even if the recovered quantity of parabens did not exceed the legal limits, the analysis detected bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in 2 real samples and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in all 26 samples, with concentrations ranging from 151.01 μg/100 g to 1042.58 μg/100 g. Although the European Union regulates the quantity of potentially harmful compounds in consumer goods, repeated use of certain products, such as haircare formulations, could result in chronic exposure to several endocrine disruptors. Full article

Scarring is a prevalent and often undesirable outcome of the wound healing process, impacting millions worldwide. The complex and dynamic nature of wound healing, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, necessitates precise, making it hard for stage-specific interventions to prevent pathological scarring. This study introduces a double-layer hydrogel system designed for sequential drug release, aligning with the stage-specific need for wound healing. The lower layer, containing curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles, shows early anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while the upper layer, with pirfenidone-encapsulated gelatin microspheres, presents late-stage anti-fibrotic activity. The hydrogel’s unique design, with varying degradation rates and mechanical properties in each layer, facilitates cascade drug release in synchrony with wound healing stages. Rapid release of curcumin from the lower layer promotes proliferation by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, while the sustained release of pirfenidone from the upper layer inhibits excessive fibrillation during late proliferation and remodeling. In a rat model of full-thickness skin defect, treatment with a double-layer hydrogel drug delivery system accelerated the wound closure, improved scar quality, and promoted the formation of hair follicles. Therefore, this innovative approach lays a promising foundation for future clinical applications in anti-scar therapies, offering a significant advancement in wound care and regenerative medicine. Full article

The porosity of hair fibers can be modified by chemical and physical damage, influencing their response to cosmetic treatments. To investigate the effect of commonly applied hair care protocols on textured hair, virgin and once-bleached tresses were subjected to multiple cycles of washing, blow-drying while combing, and styling with a hot flat iron, simulating a consumer routine spanning one to six months. Porosity-related properties were evaluated using swelling test, fluorescence, atomic force, and scanning electron microscopies, high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile testing. Both chemical and physical processes induced significant changes in the hair’s water permeability, surface topography, and appearance, alongside a reduction in mechanical and thermal properties, indicating substantial structural alterations compared to virgin hair. Increased porosity compared to virgin hair possibly reduced the heat conductivity of bleached hair, leading to less pronounced effects of heat exposure. These findings underscore the damaging potential of routine practices for textured hair and emphasize the need for targeted cosmetic solutions to protect and repair these fibers as part of consumers’ hair care regimens. Full article

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a shampoo containing Plantago asiatica L. on hair health in adults aged 20–60. Following a 4-week wash-out period, participants used either the test shampoo or a placebo for 12 weeks. Hair measurements using phototrichograms and hair count tests were conducted at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The test group demonstrated progressive improvements in hair strand thickness (0.009 mm, 0.017 mm, and 0.020 mm at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively) and hair density (0.9 hairs/cm² at weeks 4 and 8, 1.1 hairs/cm² at week 12). Additionally, a significant reduction in hair shedding was observed compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that shampoo containing Plantago asiatica L. effectively improves hair thickness and density while reducing hair loss, offering a natural solution for hair care concerns. Full article

Emulsions play a crucial part in the whole beauty and care market, especially in skin and hair care domains where, due to their extraordinary versatility, they represent most of the finite products. Being thermodynamically unstable, one key aspect of their formulation is the use of stabilizers that ensure a long lifetime under different conditions. In this framework a key role is related to rheology modifiers, which include all those raw ingredients added to achieve, among others, desirable inflow characteristics that would not be possible to gain in their absence. In this review, strong attention was dedicated to different polymers and formulation strategies to understand the key role of these ingredients, widely used in emulsion-based cosmetics formulations. Full article

Emollients are multifunctional, water-insoluble ingredients used in cosmetic products. This study aims to define the chemical and physical characteristics and test the activities of a new ester-based emollient, Sharofeel DS (DS), in comparison with other commonly used emollients (fatty alcohols, esters, and silicone emollients). The new entity was synthesized from naturally derived reactants and designed to be utilized in different cosmetic applications, such as skin care, hair care, and makeup. Methods: The emollient was characterized on the basis of its physical properties (Ultraviolet/Infrared (UV/IR) analysis, density, dynamic viscosity, refractive index, surface tension, and contact angle), calorimetric properties by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), viscoelastic properties as is and in emulsion, and toxicity tests. According to the results obtained, DS demonstrated density (0.881 g/mL) and viscosity (86 cPs) values comparable to fatty alcohol emollients, with a refractive index (1.457) comparable to fatty alcohol and ester-based emollients and a surface tension (22.53 mN/m ± 0.11 mN/m) similar to the ester-based ones. It proved stable below 308 °C and capable of reducing the loss of internal water from hair strands (−7.5% w/w). Lastly, the toxicity tests proved that DS is safe for topical skincare, haircare, and makeup applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cilia are hair-like organelles with various mechanosensory and chemosensory functions. In particular, motile cilia generate directional fluid flow important for multiple processes. Motile ciliopathies have serious clinical implications, including developmental and respiratory disorders. Evaluating the most suitable imaging methods for studying ciliary structure and function has great clinical significance. Methods: Here, we provide an overview of ciliary function, imaging modalities, and applications in ciliopathic diseases. Results: Optical imaging has become a crucial tool for studying ciliary structure and function, providing high-resolution, non-invasive imaging capabilities that are valuable for in vivo applications. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well suited for the visualization of ciliary anatomy and quantitative studies of microfluidic flow. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of ciliary biology can lead to novel approaches in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring ciliopathies, contributing to more effective and individualized care. Full article