Dermis Of Human Skin Research Articles

Revisiting the Experimental Methods for Human Skin T-Cell Analysis

Tissue-resident memory T cells exist in both the epidermis and the dermis in human skin. To analyze these cells, the skin needs to be incubated with dispase II to separate the two layers, that is, the epidermis and the dermis. The next step varies among researchers; the subsequent enzymatic digestion of the two layers is popular, whereas the spontaneous migration method can also be done. Scraping of these layers to yield skin T cells may reduce antigen modulation. This study aimed to determine each method’s limitations. Dispase II incubation itself cleaves T-cell antigens. Therefore, further enzymatic digestion with collagenases strongly cleaves antigens. The scraping method yields skin T cells that are affected by dispase II as it is. However, skin T-cell yield is low. The spontaneous migration method recovers and/or upregulates antigens with T-cell activation and loses ∼20% of T cells in the floating sheets. However, there was no prominent bias regarding CD103 expression between emigrants and the remaining T cells in the sheets. There were 104 and 105 CD3+ T cells per 1 cm2 of the epidermis and upper dermis, respectively. Collectively, each method has strengths and limitations to analyze both the epidermal and dermal T cells.

Expression Profile of CD157 Reveals Functional Heterogeneity of Capillaries in Human Dermal Skin

CD157 acts as a receptor, regulating leukocyte trafficking and the binding of extracellular matrix components. However, the expression pattern and the role of CD157 in human blood (BEC) and the lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) of human dermal microvascular cells (HDMEC), remain elusive. We demonstrated constitutive expression of CD157 on BEC and LEC, in fetal and juvenile/adult skin, in situ, as well as in isolated HDMEC. Interestingly, CD157 epitopes were mostly localized on BEC, co-expressing high levels of CD31 (CD31High), as compared to CD31Low BEC, whereas the podoplanin expression level on LEC did not affect CD157. Cultured HDMEC exhibited significantly higher numbers of CD157-positive LEC, as compared to BEC. Interestingly, separated CD157− and CD157+ HDMEC demonstrated no significant differences in clonal expansion in vitro, but they showed distinct expression levels of cell adhesion molecules, before and after cytokine stimulation in vitro. In particular, we proved the enhanced and specific adherence of CD11b-expressing human blood myeloid cells to CD157+ HDMEC fraction, using an in vitro immune-binding assay. Indeed, CD157 was also involved in chemotaxis and adhesion of CD11b/c monocytes/neutrophils in prevascularized dermo–epidermal skin substitutes (vascDESS) in vivo. Thus, our data attribute specific roles to endothelial CD157, in the regulation of innate immunity during inflammation.

Role of distinct fibroblast lineages and immune cells in dermal repair following UV radiation-induced tissue damage.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major source of skin damage, resulting in inflammation, premature ageing, and cancer. While several UVR-induced changes, including extracellular matrix reorganisation and epidermal DNA damage, have been documented, the role of different fibroblast lineages and their communication with immune cells has not been explored. We show that acute and chronic UVR exposure led to selective loss of fibroblasts from the upper dermis in human and mouse skin. Lineage tracing and in vivo live imaging revealed that repair following acute UVR is predominantly mediated by papillary fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast reorganisation occurs with minimal migration. In contrast, chronic UVR exposure led to a permanent loss of papillary fibroblasts, with expansion of fibroblast membrane protrusions partially compensating for the reduction in cell number. Although UVR strongly activated Wnt signalling in skin, stimulation of fibroblast proliferation by epidermal β-catenin stabilisation did not enhance papillary dermis repair. Acute UVR triggered an infiltrate of neutrophils and T cell subpopulations and increased pro-inflammatory prostaglandin signalling in skin. Depletion of CD4- and CD8-positive cells resulted in increased papillary fibroblast depletion, which correlated with an increase in DNA damage, pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, and reduction in fibroblast proliferation. Conversely, topical COX-2 inhibition prevented fibroblast depletion and neutrophil infiltration after UVR. We conclude that loss of papillary fibroblasts is primarily induced by a deregulated inflammatory response, with infiltrating T cells supporting fibroblast survival upon UVR-induced environmental stress.

Morphofunctional Characteristics of Fibroblasts of the Papillary and Reticular Layers of Human Skin Dermis

Morphofunctional Characteristics of Fibroblasts of the Papillary and Reticular Layers of Human Skin Dermis

Time-Resolved Extracellular Matrix Atlas of the Developing Human Skin Dermis.

Skin aging is a physiological issue that is still relatively poorly understood. Studies have demonstrated that the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) plays important roles in skin aging. However, the roles of the changes in ECM characteristics and the molecules that are secreted to the extracellular space and are involved in the formation of the dermal matrix from birth to old age remain unclear. To explore the way in which the ECM microenvironment supports the functions of skin development across different age groups is also poorly understood, we used a decellularization method and matrisome analysis to compare the composition, expression, and function of the dermal ECM in toddler, teenager, adult, and elderly skin. We found that the collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and regulatory factors that support skin development and interact with these core ECM proteins were differentially expressed at different ages. ECM expression markers occurring during the process of skin development were identified. In addition, our results elucidated the characteristics of ECM synthesis, response to skin development, and the features of the ECM that support epidermal stem cell growth via the basement membrane during skin aging.

IsoChichibabin desmosine-13C3,15N1 synthesis and quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine and isodesmosine in human skin

Desmosine and isodesmosine are crosslinking amino acids of elastin, which is an essential component of the dermal extracellular matrix protein. Quantitative analysis of crosslinker desmosines in human skin dermis has not been fully achieved due to the insoluble nature of elastin protein. In the present study, chemical synthesis of isotopically labeled desmosine, desmosine-13C3,15N1, was carried out via isoChichibabin pyridinium synthesis starting from corresponding isotopically labeled amino acids. Isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS analysis of desmosine and isodesmosine utilizing synthetic desmosine-13C3,15N1 enabled the quantitative analysis of desmosines in human skin for the first time. Thus, ca. 1.43 μg of desmosines was detected from analysis of 1 mg of dry human skin.

297 Role of distinct fibroblast lineages and immune cells in dermal repair following UV radiation induced tissue damage

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major source of skin damage, resulting in inflammation, premature ageing and cancer. While several UVR-induced changes, including extracellular matrix reorganisation and epidermal DNA damage, have been documented, the role of different fibroblast lineages and their communication with immune cells has not been explored. Here we show that acute and chronic UVR exposure led to selective loss of fibroblasts from the upper dermis in human and mouse skin. Lineage tracing and in vivo live imaging revealed that repair following acute UVR is predominantly mediated by papillary fibroblast proliferation and migration.

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Based Autologous Topical Serum on Cutaneous Wound Healing

Introduction: Skin injury and wound healing is an inevitable event during lifetime. However, several complications may hamper the regeneration of the cutaneous tissue and lead to a chronic profile that prolongs patient recovery. Platelet-rich plasma is rising as an effective and safe alternative to the management of wounds. However, this technology presents some limitations such as the need for repeated blood extractions and health-care interventions. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the use of an endogenous and storable topical serum (ES) derived from plasma rich in growth factors promoting wound healing, and to obtain preliminary data regarding its clinical and experimental effect over ulcerated skin models and patient care. Methods: Human dermal fibroblast and 3D organotypic ulcerated skin models were used to assess ES over the main mechanisms of wound healing including cell migration, edge contraction, collagen synthesis, tissue damage, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell death, metabolic activity, and histomorphometry analysis. Additionally, 4 patients suffering from skin wounds were treated and clinically assessed. Results: ES promoted dermal fibroblast migration, wound edge contraction, and collagen synthesis. When topically applied, ES increased collagen and elastin deposition and reduced tissue damage. The interstitial edema, structural integrity, and cell activity were also maintained, and apoptotic levels were reduced. Patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds of different etiologies were treated with ES, and the ulcers healed completely within few weeks with no reported adverse events. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that ES might promote cutaneous wound healing and may be useful for accelerating the re-epithelization of skin ulcers.

Low-level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro.

Light therapy has attracted medical interests as a safe, alternative treatment for photo-ageing and photo-damaged skin. Recent research suggested the therapeutic activity of red and infrared (IR) lights may be effective at much lower energy levels than those used clinically. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level red plus near IR light emitting diode (LED) combination on collagen and elastin and ATP production. Human dermal fibroblasts or skin tissues were irradiated daily by red (640nm) plus near IR (830nm) LED lights combination at 0.5mW/cm2 for 10minutes (0.3J/cm2 ). qPCR, ELISAs or histology were used to determine the gene and protein expressions. Fluorescent measurement was used to assess crosslinks of collagen and elastic fibres. ATP production was evaluated by ATP assay. Treatment of human fibroblast cell cultures with low-level red plus near IR lights combination was found to significantly increase LOXL1, ELN and COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expressions as well as the synthesis of the procollagen type I and elastin proteins. Treating human skin explants with low-level red plus near IR lights combination similarly induced significant increases in the same gene expressions, type III collagen and elastic fibre formation and crosslinks. ATP production was increased in human dermal fibroblasts after red plus near IR lights combination treatment. Low-level red plus near IR lights combination stimulated the production of collagen and elastin production associated with anti-ageing benefits. These findings suggest that low-level red plus near IR LED light combination may provide an effective treatment opportunity for people with photo-aged skin.

Facilely constructed randomly distributed surface microstructure for flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and low detection limit

The epidermis and dermis of human skin have randomly distributed microstructures, so we can sense external stimuli with high sensitivity and a low detection limit. Herein, a biomimetic microstructure sensor was fabricated using sandpaper as a template. The finite element simulation results show that the strain sensing property of the sensor can be improved by introducing a biomimetic microstructure, which is consistent with the experimental results. The gauge factor of the microstructure sensor (20.64) is 4.81 times that of the planar structure sensor (4.29) in the linear strain range from 0.1% to 1.0%. The microstructure sensor has a very low detection limit (0.1% strain), fast response (53.6 ms), and good cycling durability (3000 cycles). In addition, the microstructure sensor can achieve real-time monitoring of human motion and physiological signals, such as finger bending, knee bending, and breathing frequency. The proposed microstructure sensor is expected to have broad application prospects in motion monitoring and health-care fields.

INVESTIGATION OF IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND CYTOTOXICITY ON HUMAN SKIN FIBROBLASTS OF PLUCHEA INDICA (L.) LESS. LEAVES EXTRACT AND DEVELOPMENT TO MICROEMULSION FOR SKIN COSMETIC PRODUCT

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on normal human skin fibroblasts of Pluchea indica (L.) Less. leaves extract and to prepare the extract into microemulsions for application in skin cosmetic ingredient.
 Methods: The total phenolics and total flavonoids content in ethanolic (30%, 70%, and 95% ethanol) and aqueous extracts of P. indica leaves were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay and aluminum chloride method. The quantification of 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid in the extracts was determined by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method. The antioxidant activity of extracts was examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The cytotoxicity on human fibroblast cell was tested by sulforhodamine B assay. The oil in water microemulsion was prepared by pseudoternary phase diagram. The characterization of prepared-microemulsion including morphology, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI) was studied and the physicochemical stability of microemulsions was evaluated.
 Results: All P. indica leaves extracts contain a phenolic, flavonoid, and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid contents. The 70% ethanolic extract possessed higher the antioxidant activities than 30% ethanolic, aqueous, and 95% ethanolic extracts, respectively, followed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay. Thus, the 70% ethanolic extract was selected to develop in skin cosmetic. The 70% ethanolic extract had not cytotoxicity on dermal human skin fibroblasts cell. The microemulsion loaded extract provided a mean particle size of 24.397±1.20 nm with minimum PDI of 0.397±0.05 which shown a spherical shape. The microemulsion loaded extract showed a good stability.
 Conclusion: From all results, it has concluded that the 70% ethanolic extract of P. indica leaves contain phenolic, flavonoid, and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid contents which possessed DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP activities. In addition, this extract had no cytotoxic to normal human skin fibroblasts. Finally, the microemulsion loaded extract showed a good characterization and physicochemical stability.

Dermal Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Contribution to the Skin Repair and Regeneration.

Significance: Dermal fibroblasts are the major cell type in the skin's dermal layer. These cells originate from distinct locations of the embryo and reside in unique niches in the dermis. Different dermal fibroblasts exhibit distinct roles in skin development, homeostasis, and wound healing. Therefore, these cells are becoming attractive candidates for cell-based therapies in wound healing. Recent Advances: Human skin dermis comprises multiple fibroblast subtypes, including papillary, reticular, and hair follicle-associated fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts after wounding. Recent studies reveal that these cells play distinct roles in wound healing and contribute to diverse healing outcomes, including nonhealing chronic wound or excessive scar formation, such as hypertrophic scars (HTS) and keloids, with papillary fibroblasts having antiscarring and reticular fibroblast scar-forming properties. Critical Issues: The identities and functions of dermal fibroblast subpopulations in many respects remain unknown. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of dermal fibroblast heterogeneity, including their defined cell markers and dermal niches, dynamic changes, and contributions to skin wound healing, with the emphasis on scarless healing, healing with excessive scars (HTS and keloids), chronic wounds, and the potential application of this heterogeneity for developing cell-based therapies that allow wounds to heal faster with less scarring. Future Directions: Heterogeneous dermal fibroblast populations and their functions are poorly characterized. Refining and advancing our understanding of dermal fibroblast heterogeneity and their participation in skin homeostasis and wound healing may create potential therapeutic applications for nonhealing chronic wounds or wounds that heal with excessive scarring.

Inhibition of UVA Damage on Human Skin Dermis Fibroblasts by the Isoflavonoid Intermediate Deoxybenzoin-3A.

Ultraviolet rays are the main cause of skin aging. Isoflavone structures are good anti-ultraviolet natural compounds and have an especially strong anti-ultraviolet B (UVB) effect. However, the anti-ultraviolet A (UVA) effect of isoflavones is more controversial. Therefore, this study aims to discover which isoflavone analogue possesses a strong anti-ultraviolet A. We found the isoflavonoid intermediate deoxybenzoin-3A (DOB-3A) to be a similar isoflavone structural compound with strong anti-ultraviolet A effects. Ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 350 nm are used to irradiate the fibroblasts of the human skin. Western blot, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscope analyses were used to explore its anti-ultraviolet A mechanism. We established the results that DOB-3A (1) reduced the death of fibroblasts caused by ultraviolet A, (2) avoided the damage to the organelles and structures after UVA irradiation, (3) inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide-induced damage, and (4) decreased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) caused by UVA. Based on the above findings, DOB-3A is a very good anti-ultraviolet A isoflavone-related structure. Because it is simple to synthesize and has good effects, DOB-3A is a suitable anti-ultraviolet A product with an isoflavone structure. Moreover, DOB-3A's structure provides a reference for the synthesis of anti-UVA isoflavones.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of Boswellia sacra essential oil on T-cells and dendritic cells

BackgroundBoswellia sacra resin has been commonly used as analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which reflect its immunomodulatory activity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and sentinel cells that regulate the immune response. This study aims at investigating whether crude essential oil extracted from Boswellia sacra resin (BSEO), has a potential effect on the phenotype and functions of human monocyte-derived DCs.MethodsOil extract from the resin of Boswellia sacra was prepared by hydrodistillation using a custom made hydrodistiller. BSEO-mediated cell viability has been initially studied on human skin dermis cells (HSD) and DC precursors using quantitative and qualitative assays before applying on DCs. Human DCs were generated from differentiated peripheral blood monocytes cultured in media containing both GM-CSF and IL-4. DCs were exposed to 5 μg/mL or 10 μg/mL of BSEO in vitro. Morphological, phonotypical, and functional properties studied with microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA.ResultsCrude BSEO was found to interfere with the maturation and differentiation of DCs from precursor cells in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BSEO-treated DCs, cultured in the presence of LPS, reduced the ability of allogeneic T cells to proliferate compared to that co-cultured with LPS-stimulated DCs only. In addition, the endocytic capacity and secretion of IL-10 by DCs treated with BSEO was enhanced in comparison to LPS treated cells. Analysis of the chemical composition of BESO using GC-MS (Clarus 500 GC/MS, PerkinElmer, Shelton, CT) revealed the presence of compounds with several biological activities including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.ConclusionResults indicated that BSEO deviates the differentiation of monocytes into immature DCs. Furthermore, stimulation of immature DCs with BSEO was unable to generate full DC maturation. However, these findings may potentially be employed to generate DCs with tolerogenic properties that are able to induce tolerance in diseases with hypersensitivity, autoimmunity as well as transplantation.

Synthesis of Kisspeptin-Mimicking Fragments and Investigation of their Skin Anti-Aging Effects.

In recent years, a number of active materials have been developed to provide anti-aging benefits for skin and, among them, peptides have been considered the most promising candidate due to their remarkable and long-lasting anti-wrinkle activity. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the relationship between the secretion of emotion-related hormones and skin aging. Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, has gained attention in reproductive endocrinology since it stimulates the reproductive axis in the hypothalamus; however, the effects of Kisspeptin on skin have not been studied yet. In this study, we synthesized Kisspeptin-10 and Kisspeptin-E, which are biologically active fragments, to mimic the action of Kisspeptin. Next, we demonstrated the anti-aging effects of the Kisspeptin-mimicking fragments using UV-induced skin aging models, such as UV-induced human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) and human skin explants. Kisspeptin-E suppressed UV-induced 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) stimulation leading to a regulation of skin aging related genes, including type I procollagen, matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, and rescued the skin integrity. Taken together, these results suggest that Kisspeptin-E could be useful to improve UV-induced skin aging by modulating expression of stress related genes, such as 11β-HSD1.

Perforins Expression by Cutaneous Gamma Delta T Cells.

Gamma delta (GD) T cells are an unconventional T cell type present in both the epidermis and the dermis of human skin. They are critical to regulating skin inflammation, wound healing, and anti-microbial defense. Similar to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells expressing an alpha beta (AB) TCR, GD T cells have cytolytic capabilities. They play an important role in elimination of cutaneous tumors and virally infected cells and have also been implicated in pathogenicity of several autoimmune diseases. T cell cytotoxicity is associated with the expression of the pore forming protein Perforin. Perforin is an innate immune protein containing a membrane attack complex perforin-like (MACPF) domain and functions by forming pores in the membranes of target cells, which allow granzymes and reactive oxygen species to enter the cells and destroy them. Perforin-2, encoded by the gene MPEG1, is a newly discovered member of this protein family that is critical for clearance of intracellular bacteria. Cutaneous GD T cells express both Perforin and Perforin-2, but many questions remain regarding the role that these proteins play in GD T cell mediated cytotoxicity against tumors and bacterial pathogens. Here, we review what is known about Perforin expression by skin GD T cells and the mechanisms that contribute to Perforin activation.

Fibroblasts from the Human Skin Dermo-Hypodermal Junction are Distinct from Dermal Papillary and Reticular Fibroblasts and from Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exhibit a Specific Molecular Profile Related to Extracellular Matrix Organization and Modeling.

Human skin dermis contains fibroblast subpopulations in which characterization is crucial due to their roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) biology. This study investigates the properties of fibroblasts localized at the frontier of deep dermis and hypodermis, i.e., dermo-hypodermal junction fibroblasts (F-DHJ), which were compared to intermediate reticular dermis (Fr) and superficial papillary dermis (Fp) fibroblasts. F-DHJ differed from Fr and Fp cells in their wider potential for differentiation into mesodermal lineages and in their absence of contractility when integrated in a three-dimensional dermal equivalent. The transcriptomic profile of F-DHJ exhibited specificities in the expression of genes involved in ECM synthesis-processing and “tissue skeleton” organization. In accordance with transcriptome data, ECM proteins, notably Tenascin C, distributions differed between the reticular dermis and the dermo-hypodermal junction areas, which was documented in normal adult skin. Finally, genome-wide transcriptome profiling was used to evaluate the molecular proximity of F-DHJ with the two dermal fibroblast populations (Fp and Fr) and with the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) corresponding to five tissue origins (bone marrow, fat, amnion, chorion, and cord). This comparative analysis classified the three skin fibroblast types, including F-DHJ, as a clearly distinct group from the five MSC sample origins.

Age Associated Decrease of MT-1 Melatonin Receptor in Human Dermal Skin Fibroblasts Impairs Protection Against UV-Induced DNA Damage.

The human body follows a physiological rhythm in response to the day/night cycle which is synchronized with the circadian rhythm through internal clocks. Most cells in the human body, including skin cells, express autonomous clocks and the genes responsible for running those clocks. Melatonin, a ubiquitous small molecular weight hormone, is critical in regulating the sleep cycle and other functions in the body. Melatonin is present in the skin and, in this study, we showed that it has the ability to dose-dependently stimulate PER1 clock gene expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Then we further evaluated the role of MT-1 melatonin receptor in mediating melatonin actions on human skin using fibroblasts derived from young and old subjects. Using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR, we confirmed the expression of MT-1 receptor in human skin fibroblasts and demonstrated a dramatic age-dependent decrease in its level in mature fibroblasts. We used siRNA technology to transiently knockdown MT-1 receptor in fibroblasts. In these MT-1 knockdown cells, UV-dependent oxidative stress (H2O2 production) was enhanced and DNA damage was also increased, suggesting a critical role of MT-1 receptor in protecting skin cells from UV-induced DNA damage. These studies demonstrate that the melatonin pathway plays a pivotal role in skin aging and damage. Moreover, its correlation with skin circadian rhythm may offer new approaches for decelerating skin aging by modulating the expression of melatonin receptors in human skin.

The Protective Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Extract in Ultraviolet B-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Skin Equivalent Models.

The Protective Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Extract in Ultraviolet B-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Skin Equivalent Models.

Aluminium and calcium lake pigments of Lac natural dye

This work presents the physicochemical properties of the prepared lac lakes. The study revealed the stability, cytotoxicity and use of lac lake pigment as a cosmetic colorant. SEM, XRD and DSC were used to study the characteristics of the lac lakes.. The color stability of lac dye and its lakes was investigated at ambient temperature and at 45 °C, in sunlight,fluorescent light and darkness, for 3 months. Cytotoxicity on human dermal skin fibroblast cell lines was tested using MTT assay and the use of the lakes as a colorant in lip color product was studied. Different metal salts resulted in lac lakes of different shades and appearance. SEM, XRD and DSC results indicated that the morphology and structure of lac dye were changed after reacting with metal salts which support the coordination of metal ion with lac dye. The lac lakes were not cytotoxic to human dermal skin fibroblast cells (0.78-100 µg/mL). Lac lakes exhibited less alteration of color shade over acidic and basic conditions when compared with the lac dye itself. Additionally, the lake pigments displayed better color stability than lac dye and produced an orange-brown shade of lip color product. The results suggest that lac lake pigments have good potential for use as cosmetic colorant.