Potential Role of Oleanolic and Ursolic Acids from Food and Plant Materials as Natural Ingredients for the Cosmetic Industry: A Review

Abstract

Cosmeceuticals have emerged as health and beauty aid products that integrate active ingredients from natural sources. Phytochemicals have prevailed in this market as an effective alternative toward different skin conditions. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for natural products that overcome the side effects of conventional treatments. Alopecia, acne, and skin aging are prevalent skin-related conditions worldwide. These conditions are characterized by high levels of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress conditions. Oleanolic and ursolic acids are two biologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid isomeric compounds. They have shown strong potential for the prevention and treatment of diverse skin-related conditions through their effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. This review presents the latest available information on the biological potential of oleanolic and ursolic acids, highlighting their cosmeceutical potential. In the pursuit of a better understanding of their potential as natural ingredients of dermatological relevance, graphical analysis is provided to propose the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of each skin-related condition.