Optimization of rice bran oil nanoemulgel as anti-aging using Box–Behnken design

Abstract

Background The accelerated aging caused by reactive oxygen species is a major concern to many people. Antioxidants present in natural products like rice bran oil (RBO) absorb and neutralize free radicals, improving skin appearance and slowing the aging process. However, RBO has limited use on the skin due to greasy sensation, oxidation, and low penetration. Objective This study aimed to develop a RBO nanoemulgel and evaluate its anti-aging effects on volunteer skin. Patients and methods Nanoemulsion optimized using Box–Behnken design to optimize RBO (x1), surfactant (x2), and cosurfactant (x3) factors towards transmittance response. Nanoemulsion prepared using high-pressure homogenizer and ultrasonication methods. Results and conclusion The optimal formula contained 2% oil, 14.732% tween 80, and 1.227% span 80, with characterization of 96.6% transmittance, particle size of 17.8±0.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.51±0.00, zeta potential of −3.56±0.70, and pH of 6.19±0.05. The optimal formula was further incorporated with CMC-Na base and evaluated it anti-aging effects on upper arm skin volunteer. After 4 weeks of RBO nanoemulgel usage, there was a significant increase on oil content and elasticity parameters on skin volunteers, but not on moisture content. This study highlights the potential of the optimized nanoemulgel formula as an anti-aging solution, addressing signs of aging.