Although rosemary essential oil (EO) shows many biological activities, its topical benefits\nhave not been clearly demonstrated. In this work, we assessed the effects on skin hydration and\nelasticity of rosemary EO after topical application via gel vehicles in human volunteers. To improve\nits topical efficacy, rosemary EO was loaded into lipid nanoparticles (NLCs) consisting of cetyl\npalmitate as a solid lipid, and non-ionic surfactants. Such NLCs were prepared using different ratios\nof EO/solid lipid and those containing EO 3% w/w and cetyl pamitate 7% w/w were selected for\nin vivo studies, showing the best technological properties (small particle size, low polydispersity\nindex and good stability). Gels containing free EO or EO-loaded NLCs were applied on the hand\nskin surface of ten healthy volunteers twice a day for one week. Skin hydration and elasticity\nchanges were recorded using the instrument Soft Plus. Gels containing EO-loaded NLCs showed\na significant increase in skin hydration in comparison with gels containing free EO. Skin elasticity\nincreased, as well, although to a lesser extent. The results of this study point out the usefulness of\nrosemary EO-loaded NLCs for the treatment of cutaneous alterations involving loss of skin hydration\nand elasticity.
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