Current Issue : January-March Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 1 Articles : 5 Articles
The growing demand for dermocosmetics with ingredients of natural origin reflects the pivotal role of cutaneous health and appearance in consumer self-esteem. Under this context, clays have attracted attention for their potential applications in dermatological care. Our research work aimed to increase knowledge on the short-term impact of cosmetic formulations containing a blend of red, green, and black clays, assessing their effects on sebum regulation and in cutaneous biomechanical behavior (firmness/elasticity). Unlike daily skincare products, clay masks are used infrequently and for short durations; thus, an in vivo assessment was conducted after a 2-h application to reflect typical consumer use. The mineralogical and physicochemical properties of the different clays were characterized. Mineralogical analysis revealed distinct compositions among the clays: black clay exhibited a simpler mineral profile, lower density, and smaller particle size; green clay contained expandable smectite and was the densest; and red clay displayed the largest average particle size and highest iron content. Thermal analysis identified two major transitions: dehydration and kaolinite dehydroxylation. In vivo studies conducted in participants showed a significant reduction in skin oiliness across all clay-based formulations compared to baseline, control, and placebo following a 2-h application, and the rebound sebum production was dependent on clay concentration. Cutometry measurements did not reveal statistically significant improvements in skin firmness or elasticity compared to the control and placebo. The findings suggested that while clay-based formulations effectively reduced skin oiliness in the short term, their impact on sebum regulation and on skin biomechanical properties was limited after such a short product application period. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the distinct effects of each clay, assess their behavior in different formulation bases, and evaluate their efficacy after repeated use....
Introduction: Skin aging is a multifaceted process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, resulting in visible changes such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely recognized for its hydrating and structural support properties, while Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant and depigmenting effects. This study investigated the anti-aging efficacy of two topical formulations containing Jalubalance® technology—HA delivered in Opuntia oil—with or without 1% Vitamin C. Background/Objectives: We conducted an 8-week, multicenter, randomized trial involving 91 women aged 30–50 years with mild-to-moderate photoaging. Participants were assigned to apply either HA-only cream (Group A) or a HA + Vitamin C cream (Group B) twice daily. The primary outcome was the percentage of subjects who achieved an improvement of at least one point in the hyperpigmentation score from baseline to week 8. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and instrumental effects of both treatments, with a particular focus on improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements across all measured parameters, including Glogau scores, wrinkle reduction, and skin elasticity. Instrumental analysis confirmed increased hydration and elasticity. Group B showed a significantly greater reduction in hyperpigmentation (−45%) compared to Group A (−31%, p < 0.05). At week 8, a ≥1-point reduction in hyperpigmentation score was observed in 56% of subjects in Group B and 30% in Group A (absolute difference: 26%; 95% CI: 5–43%; p < 0.05), highlighting the added benefit of Vitamin C on this parameter. Participant satisfaction was high, especially for the moisturization and brightening effects of both products. Conclusions: The topical application of Jalubalance-based creams effectively reduced signs of aging. The inclusion of Vitamin C provided enhanced benefits in reducing hyperpigmentation, suggesting its utility in personalized dermatological approaches for patients with pigmentation concerns....
Facial aging results from intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing soft tissue volume loss, skin laxity, and wrinkles; minimally invasive fillers combining calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) may mitigate these changes. This pilot study explored the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a hyper-diluted 1:1 CaHA-HA combination in nine patients (30–65 years) with mild-to-moderate facial volume loss and laxity. Injections were delivered to affected areas using blunt-tip cannulas and fine needles. Clinical outcomes were measured with the Merz Aesthetic Scale (MAS), Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), while adverse events and patient satisfaction were recorded. MAS showed notable improvements in upper cheek fullness, lower cheek fullness, and jawline contour (+0.94, +0.94, and +0.89, respectively), and WSRS nasolabial fold severity decreased from 3.28 ± 0.18 to 2.50 ± 0.00 (p < 0.0001) with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 5.0). All patients rated themselves “very improved” on GAIS; no adverse events were reported, and satisfaction was high. These preliminary findings suggest that hyper-diluted CaHA–HA may be a safe and promising minimally invasive approach for facial rejuvenation, although confirmation in larger, controlled studies with longer follow-up is required....
This study presents the formulation of two natural antioxidant creams based on an oil-inwater emulsion system, incorporating either hydroxycitrate (HCA) from Garcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) or red wine powder (RWP) derived from Aglianico del Vulture red wine (Vitis vinifera L.). HCA, a derivative of citric acid, and RWP, rich in polyphenolic compounds, were chosen for their bioactive properties. The creams underwent a series of in vitro tests to assess their stability, cytocompatibility, and antioxidant properties. Cellular assays using HaCaT keratinocytes showed that both formulations were effective in reducing blue light-induced oxidative damage....
Aim: The increasing consumer demand for safer, eco-friendly sunscreens has propelled research toward natural, plant-based ingredients with photoprotective properties. This study aimed to assess the sun protection factor (SPF) of Vaccinium varingiaefolium (Cantigi) leaf extracts, extract-loaded gelatin nanoparticles, and gel formulations containing either the extract (F1) or the nanoparticles (F2). Method: The leaves were extracted using 70% ethanol, and the resulting extract was characterized and further processed into gelatin- based nanoparticles through the desolvation method. Result: The nanoparticles exhibited a size of 174.7 ± 0.26 nm, a PDI of 0.337 ± 0.05, a zeta potential of 2.82 ± 0.39 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 38.66 ± 0.15%. The extract, nanoparticles, and their respective gel formulations (F1 with extract, F2 with nanoparticles) were evaluated for SPF and stability under accelerated conditions. The extract demonstrated the highest SPF value (30.48), providing 97% UVB protection, followed by nanoparticles (28.48), gel F1 (21.56), and gel F2 (16.10), which offered 93–96% UV blockage. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of Cantigi as a natural sunscreen agent, particularly in its crude extract form. While the current formulations offer moderate protection suitable for daily use, further optimization is necessary to achieve higher SPF benchmarks for extended outdoor exposure. This study advocates for the incorporation of Cantigi leaf bioactives into sustainable sunscreen products....
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