Search Results (59)

Food waste is a major economic, environmental, and ethical challenge, as around a third of the edible food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. This inefficiency not only increases food insecurity but also results in resource depletion and environmental degradation. Dealing with food waste through sustainable management strategies, such as upcycling food by-products, has proven to be a promising approach to optimize resource use and support the circular economy. Valorization of food waste enables the extraction of valuable bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant properties. These natural antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating diseases caused by oxidative stress, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. Utilizing food-derived polysaccharides as functional ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries represents an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic additives and is in line with global sustainability goals. Various extraction techniques, including enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound-assisted methods, enhance the recovery of these bioactives while preserving their structural integrity and efficacy. By integrating technological advances and sustainable practices, the food industry can significantly reduce waste while developing high-value products that contribute to human health and environmental protection. This review underscores the significance of food by-product valorization, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications for a more sustainable future. The literature was selected based on scientific relevance, methodological quality, and applicability to the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic sectors. Studies lacking empirical data, not addressing the extraction or application of bioactives, or published in languages other than English were excluded. Full article

Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae, bay laurel, has been traditionally used for its various therapeutic properties, and in recent years has been gaining interest for its potential applications in skincare products. However, the biological effects of bay laurel, particularly its hydrosols, a water fraction obtained during essential oil production, remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to identify the volatile compounds in L. nobilis hydrosols (LnHYs) from different coastal regions of Croatia (north, middle, and south Adriatic) and to evaluate their potential safety and efficacy for dermatological applications. Upon isolating LnHYs using microwave-assisted extraction, LnHY volatiles were identified and quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the dominant compounds in all LnHYs (61.72–97.00%), with 1,8-cineole being the most abundant component (52.25–81.89%). The physical and chemical parameters of LnHYs were investigated to assess their purity and quality. Biological activity (cytotoxicity and wound-healing effect) was tested on the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), selected as the experimental model due to its relevance to skin biology. Additionally, contents of polyphenolic substances, antioxidative effects using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, and the antimicrobial activity of LnHYs toward five skin microorganisms were determined. All tested hydrosols showed similar biological activity, with only minor differences. Cytotoxicity studies indicated the safety of the dermatological application of LnHYs, and the results of the wound-healing assay showed their neutral to mildly positive effect. Considering the growing use of bay laurel preparations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, extensive studies on their biological activity, quality, and safety are essential to either support or regulate their use in humans. Full article

The skin microbiome is a focus for innovative skincare. This study investigated topical semi-solid balm formulations of Micrococcus luteus Q24, a live skin-native probiotic, to enhance skin quality parameters such as hydration, pores, pigmentation, wrinkles and dryness. Firstly, the compatibility and growth-promoting effects of prebiotics and functional actives on M. luteus Q24 were evaluated, identifying oil-based actives, including vitamin E and pomegranate seed oil, that significantly boosted bacterial growth compared to oatmeal, the sole effective prebiotic tested. Subsequently, a pilot cosmetic trial assessed two M. luteus Q24-enriched balms on healthy adults utilising a cutting-edge AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven skin analyser device. Balm B significantly reduced keratin levels, wrinkles, and pore size, and increased hydration, while Balm A effectively reduced spots and keratin. After 4 days of application, Balm A showed mean percentage reductions of 80% in pores, 20% in spots, 60% in wrinkles, and 100% in keratin scores, while Balm B exhibited mean percentage reductions of 100% in pores, 50% in spots, 67% in wrinkles, and 80% in keratin, with a 100% increase in hydration score. Both balms demonstrated compatibility and efficacy, highlighting the potential of M. luteus Q24 in improving skin parameters. These findings suggest that balms optimise the benefits of skin-specific probiotics for microbiome-friendly skincare. Future research with larger, placebo-controlled trials is needed to substantiate these preliminary findings. Full article

Comparing electroanalysis and chromatography, this study highlights that electroanalysis, specifically using a glassy carbon sensor (GCS), is the most appropriate choice for quantifying recalcitrant organic compounds. Octocrylene (OC), an organic compound commonly found in sunscreens, is of particular concern in swimming pool water monitoring, as its presence above legal limits poses health risks. OC quantification was performed using both high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electroanalysis in sunscreen formulations and water matrices. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQ) for OC were approximately 0.11 ± 0.01 mg L⁻¹ and 0.86 ± 0.04 mg L⁻¹ by electroanalysis, and 0.35 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹ and 2.86 ± 0.12 mg L⁻¹ by HPLC. Electroanalysis successfully quantified OC in real sunscreen samples, and the results were comparable to those obtained by HPLC. The matrices tested—swimming pool water and distilled water (containing 0.002 M Cl⁻) contaminated with 0.4 ± 0.2 g L⁻¹ of sunscreen (based on a maximum concentration in sunscreen and cosmetic formulations of 10%)—showed OC concentrations below 10% in the formulation, with no significant differences observed between the two techniques. GCS was further utilized to monitor OC degradation via anodic oxidation at current densities of 5 and 10 mA cm⁻², using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. The combined approach demonstrated high efficacy in both detecting and eliminating OC from various water matrices, making it a reliable and efficient alternative for environmental and water quality monitoring. Full article

Introduction: Hair damage from chemical treatments, mechanical stress, and environmental factors can lead to significant degradation in hair quality, necessitating effective solutions for restoration. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate novel compounds for repairing hair damage through the chemical regeneration of disulfide bridges. Materials and Methods: Three novel thiol-reactive cross-linking agents (APA, STA, SAA) were synthesized and characterized. Their efficacy in repairing hair damage was evaluated through in vitro tensile strength tests on human hair fibers, comparing treated and untreated samples. Cysteine reactivity tests were also performed to assess the capability of these agents to restore disulfide bridges in hair keratin. Results: The tensile strength tests revealed significant improvements in the mechanical properties of treated hair fibers compared to untreated samples. APA demonstrated the highest efficacy in restoring tensile strength and elasticity, showing higher performance in mechanical strengthening. The cysteine reactivity tests confirmed that APA could effectively re-establish disulfide bonds, particularly at higher temperatures. STA, while less effective than APA, showed substantial efficiency in restoring disulfide bonds. When compared to the reference agent, both APA and STA exhibited higher performance in tensile strength and cysteine reactivity, with APA showing the greatest improvement in mechanical properties. Conclusions: Our study successfully revealed the potential of the synthesized thiol-reactive cross-linking agents in repairing hair damage by chemically regenerating disulfide bridges. These findings offer a promising new direction for the development of advanced hair repair treatments in the cosmetic industry. Full article

Traditional herbal medicine, ethnopharmacology, and evidence-based phytotherapy inspire the development of botanical active ingredients for cosmetics. Ensuring their authenticity and quality is essential in guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. However, the industry faces challenges related to adulteration and inconsistent verification practices. Adulteration can occur at both the crude raw material stage and during processing, involving misidentification, contamination, or the addition of unauthorized substances. This review emphasizes the need for robust authentication methods, including botanical identification, genetic testing, and phytochemical/metabolomic profiling. Analytical tools such as UV/VIS spectroscopy, HPTLC, GC-MS, HPLC/UHPLC, and isotope analysis provide complementary data for detecting and addressing adulteration. Adulteration jeopardizes product safety, efficacy, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust, while dilutions or substitutions erode the intended health benefits. A standardized, comprehensive approach across the supply chain—from raw material sourcing to extract manufacturing—is critical for maintaining the integrity of botanical ingredients. Cosmetovigilance and nutrivigilance are crucial aspects of ensuring product safety and compliance. This review presents a novel perspective by highlighting that, while the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries have long recognized the risks of botanical adulteration, awareness in the cosmetics industry remains limited. It further integrates recent advancements in metabolomic profiling, global regulatory challenges, and the economic implications of botanical adulteration in cosmetics. Future developments in AI-driven authentication technologies may represent a promising solution for addressing evolving challenges in product safety and traceability. Full article

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is well-recognized throughout dermatology for its cosmetic indications and growing therapeutic value. Recent studies have trialed BoNT in the treatment of hair and scalp disorders, many of which lack long-term effective treatments and significantly impact quality of life. In this review, we summarize the current clinical literature on this topic to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical value of BoNT in treating hair and scalp conditions. A literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus identified 40 articles reporting the use of 25–200 units of BoNT-A or B in 689 patients with hair loss (79.5%), scalp seborrheic dermatitis/hyperseborrhea (10%), craniofacial hyperhidrosis (9%), folliculitis decalvans/dissecting folliculitis (0.86%), scalp pain (0.43%), or linear scleroderma (0.29%). Most studies on BoNT therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) reported mild or non-significant hair growth; however, considerable variability in outcome measures complicates the ability to draw definitive conclusions or justify the use of BoNT over established AGA therapies. BoNT-A and B showed consistent efficacy in treating craniofacial hyperhidrosis with minimal side effects. Additional scalp conditions may benefit from BoNT therapy, but the evidence is limited, and larger, controlled studies are needed to better understand BoNT’s clinical value in these conditions. Full article

Objectives: This study evaluated the potential of sustainably sourced, plant-based homopolymers derived from citronellol as an alternative to the traditional emollients used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products. With increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly ingredients and manufacturing processes, this study assessed the efficacy of these homopolymers in semi-solid and emulsion-based formulations. Methods: The analyses focused on physicochemical, sensory, biophysical, and neurosensory characteristics. Results: The results demonstrated that emulsions containing sustainable homopolymers maintained viscoelastic stability, preserving rheological properties over time under varying conditions. These formulations showed comparable structural and functional stability to those with traditional emollients while offering skin hydration, moisture retention, and elasticity, with reduced transepidermal water loss. Sensory evaluations highlighted positive user acceptance, with participants favoring the skin feel and in-use qualities of these emulsions over synthetic alternatives. Neurosensory analyses confirmed the strong visual appeal of the product packaging, capturing user attention effectively. Conclusions: These findings underline the capability of plant-based homopolymers to replace traditional emollients while providing significant consumer appeal and sustainability benefits. This study establishes their potential as viable components in the development of more eco-friendly topical formulations for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries. Full article

Background: Limb lengthening is a surgical procedure intended to correct discrepancies and deformities in limb length or to enhance limb length for functional or cosmetic reasons. Short stature, often seen as a physical condition, can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. The advancement of limb lengthening methods, including the creation of hexapod external fixation systems, has heightened the precision and efficacy of these procedures. The Taylor spatial frame (TSF), a form of hexapod external fixator, grants three-dimensional control of bone movement and is increasingly used to rectify deformities and lengthen limbs. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of the hexapod external fixator in limb lengthening and deformity correction compared to other external fixation systems, focusing on outcomes such as achieved lengthening, healing index, complications, and follow-up duration. Methods: A structured search was engineered in four crucial search engines (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline) spanning 2004 to 2024. Results: The studies included in this review indicate that the average lengthening accomplished with the hexapod fixator ranged from 3 to 5.9 cm, with a healing index between 37 and 68.6 days/cm. The most frequent complications were pin site infections, compartment syndrome, and delayed union. The follow-up duration ranged from 6.8 months to 6 years. These studies also compared the hexapod external fixator with other external fixators, showing that while the TSF allowed more accurate deformity corrections, it often displayed a higher healing index. Conclusions: The hexapod external fixator, specifically the TSF, is an effective instrument for limb lengthening and deformity correction in patients with short stature. Although it provides superior three-dimensional control for deformity correction, the healing index and treatment duration can be longer compared to traditional external fixators. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up are needed to perfect treatment protocols and thoroughly evaluate the long-term outcomes and complications associated with this technique. Full article

This review examines existing studies on wheat bran extracts (WBEs) to provide an overview of their functional properties, including antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory activities, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives for applications in both the food and cosmetic industries. Despite variations in extraction techniques, WBEs consistently demonstrated a significant presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. In the food industry, WBEs are valued for their nutritional richness, including dietary fiber, proteins, and bioactive compounds such as arabinoxylans. These compounds improve food texture, stability, and baking properties. Additionally, WBEs have demonstrated antimicrobial potential, enhanced product quality, and serve as natural preservatives. Furthermore, WBEs exhibit significant inhibitory effects against collagenase and elastase, suggesting promising anti-aging potential. In the cosmetics sector, WBEs have gained attention due to their emulsion stability, skin-whitening properties, antimicrobial effects, and antioxidant capacities. They have the potential to enhance the stability of cosmetic emulsions, improve skin hydration, and inhibit enzymes linked to skin aging, positioning WBEs as potentially natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients in skincare and anti-aging products. Our recent pilot study also supports that WBEs enhance antioxidant defenses against oxidative stress in rats, highlighting their potential role in anti-aging interventions. To further elucidate the efficacy and bioavailability of the beneficial bioactive compounds in WBEs for both food and cosmetic applications, more comprehensive in vivo studies are required in the future. Full article

Goat milk has gained recognition for its medicinal, cosmetic, and health benefits, particularly its potential to improve human skin conditions. Its therapeutic properties are attributed to bioactive compounds influenced by genes such as lactoferrin (LTF), lysozyme (LYZ), and β-casein (CSN2), known for their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. Genetic factors are hypothesized to shape goat milk’s composition and its effectiveness in managing dermatological conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Understanding these genetic determinants is critical to optimizing the use of goat milk in skin health applications. This review aims to explore the application of genomic tools to elucidate the medicinal properties of goat milk and its implications for skin care. By identifying the specific genes and molecular mechanisms underpinning its therapeutic effects, genomic studies have provided insights into the bioactive constituents of goat milk, such as peptides, proteins, and lipids, which contribute to its dermatological efficacy. Candidate genes, including growth hormone receptor (GHR), butyrophilin (BTN1A1), and lactoglobulin (LGB), have been identified as critical for enhancing milk quality and functionality. Future research should integrate genomic data with functional studies to further investigate goat milk’s immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Such insights could advance targeted breeding strategies and innovative formulations for managing inflammatory skin conditions and promoting skin health. Full article

Introduction: Enlarged facial pores are a common cosmetic concern caused by excessive sebum production, visible hair shafts, and a reduction in skin elasticity, leading to a decrease in skin quality and overall appearance. Various treatment modalities have been explored to address this issue. This study focuses on the efficacy and safety of combining Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnaBoNT-A) and hyaluronic acid filler (HA filler) to target enlarged facial pores in Asians. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of OnaBoNT-A monotherapy in combination with HA filler for the treatment of enlarged facial pores. This study was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, split-face, controlled trial that enrolled 32 subjects with visibly enlarged pores on both cheeks. One side of the face received intradermal injections of OnaBoNT-A, while the other side received OnaBoNT-A in combination with intradermal hyaluronic acid filler injection. The outcomes were measured by pore volume, visual assessment, pain score, improvement score, and side effects at various time intervals up to 24 weeks. Results: This study investigated the effects of onaBoNT-A monotherapy or in combination with HA filler on facial pore size and skin roughness. The results showed that both sides exhibited a reduction in pore volume and skin roughness over time, but the side treated with onaBoNT-A monotherapy had a slightly better improvement than the combination side at the 6-month follow-up. Subjects with histories of facial oiliness were more likely to respond to onaBoNT-A monotherapy, while those without histories of facial oiliness were more likely to respond to the side treated with combined treatment. The most common adverse events were erythema, bruising, and edema, which were more frequent on the combination side. Additionally, 18 subjects (56.25%) experienced a palpable lump on the combination side, which resolved in most cases within a few months. Conclusion: BoNT-A and HA dermal filler had a role in reducing pore size. Nonetheless, individuals with enlarged pores who exhibited beneficial effects to botulinum toxin injection typically had a background of facial oiliness. Adverse incidents like dermal edema and palpable nodules were observed, underscoring the significance of meticulous patient selection and accurate injection technique. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare two surgical techniques—the free flap of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) and the free venous flap (FVF)—to evaluate their efficacy and aesthetic outcomes in repairing finger tissue defects. The goal was to determine which procedure offers faster healing curves and better overall patient outcomes, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals undergoing these surgeries. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using the clinical database of Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, from 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2022. A total of 44 patients with finger tissue defects, excluding thumb defects, were randomly divided into two groups: 21 patients underwent the SPBRA free flap procedure and 23 patients underwent the FVF procedure. Primary endpoints included flap survival rates, sensory recovery rates, aesthetic satisfaction scores, and complication rates. Data were collected during preoperative assessments and postoperative follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: The SPBRA group demonstrated a higher success rate (95% vs. 92%) and greater patient satisfaction in terms of restoring normal appearance and function. The SPBRA technique also showed superior sensory recovery with a lower two-point discrimination score (mean SPBRA = 6 mm vs. mean FVF = 8 mm). Functional outcomes, assessed by the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, indicated higher scores for the SPBRA group (85/100) compared to the FVF group (80/100). Additionally, the SPBRA procedure was associated with fewer complications, highlighting its effectiveness and safety. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the SPBRA free flap technique offers better outcomes than the FVF procedure for repairing finger tissue defects. It provides superior functional restoration, enhanced cosmetic satisfaction, and a lower rate of complications. These results support the preference for the SPBRA technique in addressing complex finger tissue defects and improving patient outcomes. Full article

The dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) determines the performance of TiO₂-based formulations in cosmetic and coating applications. In particular, the chemical and structural characteristics of the surfactants used to prepare TiO₂ dispersions are significant. However, the influence of surfactants on TiO₂ dispersion quality has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we observed the effects of the ionic character of commercial surfactants on the dispersion stability and UV-blocking efficacy of TiO₂. Among the experimental surfactant groups, anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate was efficient in stabilizing TiO₂ as a water-in-oil formulation and enhancing its UV-blocking efficacy. Furthermore, an anionic fatty acid as a surfactant with a longer alkyl chain length was sufficient to stabilize the TiO₂ formulation, which also displayed the highest UV-blocking efficacy, comparable to the values of commercial TiO₂-based cosmetic products. Full article

Aging is synonymous with the skin becoming increasingly thin and fragile, which is associated with a decrease in epidermal cell layers. Beyond this intrinsic aging process, the skin is continually exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation that accelerate aging. To fight the signs of aging, a comprehensive program was implemented in this study to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative ingredient, Willaertia lysate, through a multi-scale approach encompassing cellular and advanced 3D skin models. The results show that Willaertia lysate, initially sourced from French Alps thermal spring waters, is able to (i) promote cell migration; (ii) improve the quality and abundance of the extracellular matrix in aged skins and in young skins exposed to UV radiation to a similar level to that in unexposed young skins; (iii) decrease tyrosinase activity and melanin content; and (iv) reduce oxidative stress after UV exposure by decreasing exposome markers such as protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation expression. This complete set of coherent results demonstrates the global protective efficacy of Willaertia lysate against the effects of photoaging. This study is the first to report the use of a protozoan lysate as a natural and biosourced postbiotic active ingredient in the fields of cosmetics and dermocosmetics. Full article