Eco-friendly O/W emulsions with potential application in skincare products

Abstract

In the last period, aromatic plants and their extracts have gained more and more attention due to their extraordinary properties. Unfortunately, their stand-alone uses are limited due to oxidative deterioration and therefore they are mostly used as oil/water (O/W) emulsions. The objective of this study was to develop and analyze the O/W lavender emulsions with potential applications in skincare textiles. The emulsions were prepared using matrix formers (xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin), water, and glycerol as water phase and lavender essential oil as oil phase in the presence of nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80 (Tween 80®) under proper homogenization. Microscopic analysis, physicochemical properties (pH, conductivity, density, and acidity index), physical stability (turbidity, stability index, and emulsifier activity index), oxidative stability (peroxide index), rheological properties, and sensory analysis of the emulsions were investigated. Rotational (flow curve) and oscillatory rheological tests (amplitude, frequency, and time/temperature sweeps) were used for the characterization of each formulation. The results from each test are presented and discussed in detail. The experimental data confirmed that the method used was suitable for preparing O/W lavender emulsions based on xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin suggesting that these emulsions are appropriate for application in skincare textiles.