Skin Whitening Research Articles

Applications of Probiotic Constituents in Cosmetics.

Over the past few decades, research on the benefits of beneficial microorganisms on skin health has expanded and attracted a lot of attention. Today, a wide range of probiotic products are becoming available. With their extensive component profiles and varied physiological effects, probiotics, as well as extracts of them, have a significant impact on cosmetics. However, the present boom in consumer interest in alternatives has broadened the probiotic industry's research and development frontiers. Considering the foregoing, it should come as no surprise that probiotics are highly valued for their proven anti-aging, skin whitening, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects. This review aims to compile information on probiotics' properties, their extracts, and preparations used in cosmetics. It also further summarizes research and applications on probiotic fermentation to promote the use of probiotic fermentation products in cosmetics. Notably, this review also adds information on particular properties and mechanisms of action of probiotics, which fills a gap in the research and application of probiotics in skin treatment and care. Their antioxidant and anti-aging qualities have received particular consideration. This review provides a new basis for the broad application of probiotics in cosmetics.

Metal-organic framework composite Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd with peroxidase-like activities for sensitive colorimetric detection of hydroquinone

The construction of highly sensitive detection methods for hydroquinone (HQ) in environment and cosmetics is of great significance for environmental protection and human health. In this work, a novel detection method for HQ was successfully developed by constructing a metal-organic framework mimic enzyme colorimetric sensor (Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd1.0) with excellent peroxidase-like activity, which was synthesized by doping manganese ions into Fe-MOF by introducing bimetallic active centers, thereby improving the peroxidase-like activity of Fe-MOF, and the acid resistance and stability of Mn/Fe-MOF were improved by supporting palladium (Pd NPs). It is proven that Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd1.0 promoted the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate active species, therefore, oxidized chromogenic substrate discoloration. On this basis, the detection of HQ based on the Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd1.0 colorimetric sensor was constructed, in which the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.09 μM in the linear range of 0.3–30 μM. Furthermore, Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd1.0 was successfully used for detecting HQ in hydroquinone whitening cream and actual water samples. The successful synthesis of Mn/Fe-MOF@Pd1.0 may provide new insights for further study of the enzyme-like activity of metal-organic framework composites, and the constructed facile and sensitive sensor system could broaden the application prospects of HQ detection.

Irritation test and melanin whitening cream epigallocatechin gallate green tea leaf with mexameter and self-assessment

Background: Green tea (Camelia sinensis L.) contains flavonoids consisting of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which functions as whitening, anti-acne, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Previous studies have shown that EGCG with a concentration of 6% is the optimum concentration in cream formulations (Widyaningrum, 2015b). Phase One Clinical Test was conducted to determine the safety of cream preparations with irritation as a benchmark and continued to test its effectiveness as a whitening cream on 20 respondents aged 17-45 years.
 Material and Methods: The research method employed was the Open Test. The results of the study for 21 days after applying the EGCG anti-acne cream were assessed using a mexa-meter and self-assessment.
 Result: The erythema assessment showed that the preparation did not cause irritation in the absence of erythema and for the melanin assessment, the results were not significant with p Value 0.376 (<0,05) with no changes in the melanin index. The results of the irritation test were supported by the findings of self-assessment which revealed that all self-assessment parameters were not significant and there was no irritation (p 0,317).
 Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it could be concluded that EGCG whitening cream did not cause irritation for 21 days. The results of the melanin test formula for this whitening cream preparation were able to provide a skin whitening effect.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 04 October’23 Page : 902-906

Untargeted metabolomics approach of essential oils to differentiate five Ocimum species and their anti-choline-sterase and anti-tyrosinase activity

Chemical profiling of essential oils (EOs) from Ocimum species can lead to species identification and the valorization of their potential use in the food and flavour industries. This research was undertaken to discriminate chemometrically between five very closely related species of Ocimum, viz., O. tenuiflorum (green basil), O. tenuiflorum (purple basil), O. gratissimum, O. kilimandscharicum, and O. basilicum, based on their leaf EOs, to identify the differential volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and to determine their anti-cholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities. The leaf EO compositions were determined using GC-MS, and a total of 67 metabolites were identified. Untargeted metabolomics and multivariate analysis showed clear discrimination among the studied species based on their VOCs composition. PLS-DA (Partial least squares-discriminant analysis) identified the characteristic VOCs responsible for discrimination among the species. Based on VIP scores, the top 10 metabolites for discrimination among the selected species were detected, viz., linalool, α-cadinol, γ-murrolene, β-ocimene, α-eudesmol, γ-eudesmol, α-selinene, E-β-farnesene, humulene epoxide II and linalyl acetate. The quantification (mg/μL) of eugenol, β-caryophyllene, linalool, β-ocimene, and neo-allo-ocimene of the isolated leaf EOs were done by comparing with the standards. O. basilicum showed the highest AChE inhibitory activity whereas, O. tenuiflorum (green basil) showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition. These results led to the conclusion that the EOs of edible Ocimum species exhibit important enzyme inhibitory activities and can be potential sources of natural active ingredients for memory-enhancing as well as progressive neurodegenerative disorders and also as non-toxic skin lightening and anti-browning agents for fruits, vegetables, and other food substances.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antimelanogenesis Effects of Leaf Essential Oil from Agathis dammara.

Agathis species are widely distributed around Southeast Asia, Australasia, South Pacific islands, and etc. Traditionally, Agathis species have been used as the folk medicines, the common ethnopharmacological uses of Agathis genus are the treatments of headache and myalgia. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of Agathis dammara (Lamb.) Rich. leaf essential oil and to explore its antimelanogenesis effect. The chemical constituents of leaf essential oil are analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the major constituents of leaf essential oil are sesquiterpenoids. The major constituents are δ-cadinene (16.12%), followed by γ-gurjunene (15.57%), 16-kaurene (12.43%), β-caryophyllene (8.58%), germacrene D (8.53%), and γ-cadinene (5.33%). As for the in vitro antityrosinase activity, leaf essential oil inhibit the tyrosinase activity of mushroom when the substrate is 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Leaf essential oil prevents tyrosinase from acting as diphenolase and catalyzing L-DOPA to dopaquinone, and converting into dark melanin pigments. A. dammara leaf essential oil also exhibits the in vivo antimelanogenesis effect, leaf essential oil reduces 43.48% of melanin formation in zebrafish embryos at the concentration of 50 μg/mL. Results reveal A. dammara leaf essential oil has the potential for developing the skin whitening drug and depigmentation ingredient for hyperpigmentary disorders.

43980 Skin Lightening Practices and Beliefs: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Indian Residents

43980 Skin Lightening Practices and Beliefs: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Indian Residents

A review on tyrosinase inhibition potential of plant extracts for skin whitening

Fair skin is considered a trait of beauty in many cultures all over the world. Hence, there is an increased demand for skin whitening products. Since synthetic skin whitening products which are available in the market are associated with adverse effects, attention has shifted towards plant extracts with tyrosinase inhibitory potencies, as natural products are safe and effective. This study was conducted as a systematic review of plants with skinwhitening properties using a tyrosinase inhibitory assay. Research articles that were published between the years 2010-2021 were studied for this review article. The review was based on two inclusion criteria and two exclusion criteria. When it comes to inclusion criteria, tyrosinase inhibitory assay was used for extract assessment, and only the English articles were revised. The research papers that lack half maximal inhibitory concentration analysis were rejected, and only plant extracts were considered, while compounds were rejected. From a total of 70 articles that were studied, only 23 were considered relevant. IC50 values of tyrosinase inhibitory assay in different plant extracts were considered, and the details were tabulated. The highest tyrosinase inhibitory potency was recorded from the methanol extract of Quercus infectoria galls with an IC50 value of 3.34 μg/ml, while the second highest tyrosinase inhibitory potency was recorded from the methanol extract of Terminalia chebula fruit with an IC50 value of 3.87 μg/ml. The families Balanophoraceae and Caprifoliaceae showed high tyrosinase inhibitory potencies, while the families Sapotaceae, Clusiaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Malvaceae showed moderate tyrosinase inhibitory potencies. Therefore, it can be concluded that the plants from the above-mentioned families possess active tyrosinase inhibition properties. It was also observed that even when comparing the same plant part of the same species when the polarity of the solvent used for extract preparation is low that the IC50 value tends to be high.

Development of Anti-Aging Cream Preparations with Active Substances from Plant Extracts: Physicochemical Review and Potential Applications

Indonesia is known to be rich in biodiversity, including various types of plants that can be used as traditional medicines to treat various skin problems, including acne, skin lightening, and anti-aging. In optimizing efforts to overcome aging caused by free radicals, it is important to develop cosmetic formulations that are effective and comfortable to use. Cosmetics can be in various dosage forms, including gels, creams, powders, ointments, and lotions. It is necessary for the formulation and evaluation of anti-aging cream preparations containing active substances from plant extracts. The method used in this study is comparative research, which involves collecting data from various research journals via the internet. Literature research is conducted online through platforms such as Science Direct, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and other journal sites. In addition, this study provides information on formulations of anti-aging creams containing active substances from plant extracts based on available scientific evidence in the literature. These findings indicate that the formula used in the development of this cream has the potential to be used in anti-aging products containing active substances from plant extracts. Although the results of this review show success in physicochemical stability, it is important to continue further research to test the effectiveness and safety of using this cream on human skin. More in-depth clinical trials will provide stronger evidence of the benefits and safety of this product. Thus, the development of cream preparations based on the results of this review provides a solid foundation for the development of cosmetic products that combine the natural properties of plants with excellence.

Fractionation of Simulated Digestive Products of Bird’s Nest In Vitro: Skin Whitening Activity of Fractions

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) has been proven to exhibit whitening activity. In spite of this, the relationship between the digestive products of EBN and the whitening activity is still unclear. Hence, the B16-F10 cell model was used in this study to study the whitening activity of simulated EBN digestion products in vitro. The simulated digestive juices showed significant inhibition of tyrosinase (TYR) ( P < 0.05), and the release rate of free sialic acid was 21.87% in EBN digestive juices. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the relative contents of <1 kDa components, 1–3 kDa components, and >3 kDa components were 42.63%, 15.05%, and 42.32%, respectively. EBN digestive products were further fractionated, and the fraction of <1 kDa (EPP-1) exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity with 83.12% and its peptides content was 92.44%. The EPP-1 significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and decreased melanin content ( P > 0.05) by regulating the cAMP/MITF/TRP-1/TRP-2 tyrosinase signaling pathways in the B16-F10 cell experiment. Based on these findings, our data suggest that the digestive products of EBN may potentially be fit for developing a new generation of natural whitening health products.

Level of Knowledge and Attitude of Senior High School 1 Sidrap Teenagers Regarding the Selection and Usage of Facial Whitening Cream Cosmetics

Beauty is often associated with having an ideal shape, white and glowing skin, white teeth, and a pleasant voice. Smooth skin is a crucial factor in one's appearance, reflecting their identity. This encourages individuals, especially teenage girls, to aspire to achieve flawless skin. One cosmetic product frequently used by teenagers in Indonesia is the whitening cream, commonly referred to as bleaching cream. The emergence of facial whitening products in the market is driven by consumer demand, aligning with the current trend among teenagers who seek fair skin, thus impacting teenagers' pursuit of perfection. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes among adolescents at SMAN 1 Sidrap regarding the selection and use of facial whitening cream cosmetics. Respondents were selected using a cross-sectional design method, aiming to determine the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents at SMAN 1 Sidrap. The results indicate that the knowledge level is in the low category (35.68%), while the attitudes fall into the very good category (20.03%). The Chi-Square test yielded a p-value of 0.325, revealing no significant relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes of SMAN 1 Sidrap adolescents toward the selection and use of facial whitening cream cosmetics.

Ferulic Acid Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Colon Cancer CT26 Cells via the MAPK Pathway.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a bioactive compound found in traditional Chinese herbal medicine; for example, it is present in Xinjiang Ferula, but also in strong-flavor Chinese baijiu. FA has been shown to play a crucial role in treating oxidative stress, skin whitening, and eye diseases. In this study, the potential role of FA as a means of inducing apoptosis and inhibiting colon cancer induced by the transplantation of CT26 cells was investigated. The results show that FA adjuvant treatment caused an upregulation in the expression of genes related to autophagy while simultaneously suppressing the expression of inflammatory response elements and improving the bodyweight, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST) in vivo. Furthermore, FA inhibited the proliferation of CT26 cells and induced apoptosis, specifically by activating the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK to enhance the essential proteins BCL-2 and BAX in the apoptosis pathway. These results suggest that FA could be a promising auxiliary therapeutic agent for the treatment of colon cancer. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of FA and its synergistic effects with other compounds.

Grape By-Products in Sustainable Cosmetics: Nanoencapsulation and Market Trends

The largest human organ, the skin, serves a variety of essential functions including protection, preservation of water and electrolytes, regulation of body temperature, and fat storage. Its maintenance and preservation are supported by cosmetic products, whose functions include cleaning, protection, and modulation. The market for these products is predicted to increase from 100.13 billion USD in 2021 to 145.82 billion USD in 2028. Recently, it has been suggested that grape by-products (totalling 14.5 million tons per year just in Europe) has a great potential to be used in the creation of new cosmetic products. In this regard, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the bioactive compounds in grape pomace, the advantages of applying them to the skin, and the main cosmetic products already on the market incorporating these bioactives. Most of these compounds are derived from the Vitis vinifera L. species, and exhibit several biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, inhibition of skin degrading enzymes, protection from UVA damage, increased cell viability, and skin whitening effect. On the other hand, nanoencapsulation techniques can provide a significant improvement in the stability of grape-derived bioactive compounds, in particular of resveratrol, and this issue is also addressed in a critical manner in this review.

Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products.

Hand hygiene is a crucial measure in the prevention and control of infections, and there is a growing awareness among individuals who are making a conscious effort to maintain hand cleanliness. With the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for hand hygiene products has also gradually shifted towards those with antimicrobial properties. Among these products, hand sanitizer gels (HSGs) have gained considerable popularity as an efficient method of hand cleaning, due to their rapid drying and sustained antimicrobial efficacy. Concurrently, there has been a growing interest in novel HSGs that offer additional functions such as skin whitening, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects. These novel HSGs effectively address concerns associated with the ingestion of antimicrobial ingredients and demonstrate reduced skin irritation, thereby alleviating hand dermatological issues. This review provides an extensive overview of the application scenarios, classification, and challenges associated with HSGs while emphasizing the emergence of novel components with biological functions, aiming to contribute to the advancement of hand hygiene practices and offer novel insights for the development of novel HSGs with outstanding antimicrobial properties with other multiple biological functions and desirable biosafety profiles.

A Split-Face Comparative Study in Efficacy and Safety between the Combination of 4% Niacinamide and 4% Kojic Acid Cream versus 4% Hydroquinone Cream for Epidermal Melasma

Background: Melasma is a hyperpigmentation disorder that affects the quality of life, especially in women. Hydroquinone has remained the mainstay of melasma treatment. However, its safety for long-term usage became a great concern. Combination therapy, such as niacinamide and kojic acid, can be used as an alternative melasma treatment due to different mechanisms of action and synergism. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a combination of 4% niacinamide and 4% kojic acid (N-K) vs. 4% hydroquinone (HQ) in epidermal melasma. Methods: This was a randomized, double blind, clinical study on 13 female epidermal melasma patients at the Cosmetic Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Patients received two creams, a combination of N-K and HQ, for split-face therapy, regardless of the sides of the face. All patients were followed up at 4 and 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy was assessed for skin lightening effects using a spectrophotometer (L* value) and the melasma area severity index (MASI). Adverse effects were assessed in all patients. Result: Both the N-K and HQ groups showed significant improvement in skin lightening and MASI scores on week 8 (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the N-K and HQ groups (p >0.05). None of the patients in the N-K group complained of any adverse effects. Whereas in the HQ group, 23.07% presented with pruritus and mild erythema.

Whitening Activity of Acteoside from Stachys sieboldii Fermented with Hericium erinaceus Mycelia on Melanocytes

Skin whitening has recently renewed attention on Chinese herbal medicines with whitening activity for esthetic applications. Stachys sieboldii has been used as herbal medicine since ancient times and has the potential for development as a cosmetic material because of its astringent effect. In this study, with an aim to develop new functional materials with whitening effects, S. sieboldii water extracts were fermented with different mushroom mycelia. Fermented with Hericium erinaceus mycelia showed the strongest tyrosinase inhibition effect and the lowest melanin content. Thus, H. erinaceus mycelia, the most potent inhibitor of melanogenesis, was used for large-scale fermentation and fractionated. The ethyl acetate fraction, which had the strongest whitening activity, was separated and purified using HPLC. Finally, the single compound was isolated and identified as acteoside, which has promising whitening activity. Acteoside inhibited melanin synthesis and intracellular tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of acteoside on the expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF were analyzed using Western blot analysis, which showed that acteoside reduced the protein in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings reveal the potential applicability of S. sieboldii extract fermented with H. erinaceus mycelia and its useful component, which is an acteosid, for skin lightening and the treatment of pigmentation.

Colorism attitudes and use of skin lightening agents in the United States.

In this study, we examine SL habits, including both general lightening and lightening for the treatment of a skin condition, among SOC individuals in the United States and the role of colorism in motivating these behaviors. A cross-sectional survey was administered to SOC individuals through ResearchMatch, an online national health registry. Demographics, rates of SL, SL habits, and perceived colorism among SL users and nonusers were collected and analyzed with χ2, Fisher's exact, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation, and t tests. A total of 455 participants completed the survey. Ninety-seven participants (21.3%) reported using SL agents: 73.2% (71/97) used SL agents for the treatment of a skin condition and 26.8% (26/97) used the products for general SL. Only 22.6% (22/97) of SL users consulted a medical provider before using the products. Forty-four participants (45.4%) were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% (34/97) reported using hydroquinone-based products. Composite colorism scores were significantly higher in SL users than nonusers (20.03 vs 18.20; P < .001). This study used self-reported racial/ethnic groups to characterize those with SOC rather than assessing actual skin tones of participants, which could have led to variability. SL among SOC individuals is prevalent in the U.S. and poses a health risk, as many SL users are unaware of product ingredients, do not consult a medical provider before use, and have access to potentially unsafe formulations. Dermatologists should address skin tone and pigmentary concerns with their SOC patients.

Facile Synthesis and Biophysical Characterization of Novel Zinc Oxide/Fe3O4 Hybrid Nanocomposite as a Potentially Active Agent in Sunscreens

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are attractive sunscreens for UV protection, but they still face some challenges due to their white color and skin whitening, and the extent of UV blocking is still limited to UV-B. Therefore, the present work aimed to develop novel sunscreen agents based on ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites. ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites were prepared using a facile one-step combustion method and characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance techniques. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant activity of the prepared samples were carried out by spectrophotometric methods. The biocompatibility potential was tested on the normal (Human lung fibroblast: WI38) and cancerous (Hepatocellular carcinoma: HEPG-2) cell lines and the antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Bare ZnO NPs and ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites had pure structures with average particle sizes on a scale below 100 nm. The samples had antibacterial and antioxidant activity as well as the potential for biocompatibility and anticancer activity (cell viability was 80% for all nanocomposites up to 6.25 μg/mL indicating non-toxicity). The nanocomposite presented good UV absorption and SPF values (SPF = 12.2–14) not too far from those of bare ZnO (SPF = 15.4) and achieved extended protection over the UV and visible range. ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites are colored compounds that can match a desired tanned skin tone and have biophysical properties that make them a promising future as a cosmetic UV protectant.

Epidemiology and Perception of Acne Among Adolescents in Jos, Nigeria: Cross-Sectional School-Based Study.

Adolescents who make up a vast majority of the secondary school population are at a stage at which they are largely affected by acne. This condition, which is widely visible and easily recognized by peers, has numerous misperceptions surrounding it, which may influence attitudes toward people affected by it. There is a paucity of information on the prevalence of acne and how adolescents in Jos, Nigeria, view the condition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acne, perceived risk factors, and the accuracy of self-report among adolescents in Jos, Nigeria. The study also sought to understand perceptions surrounding acne in this age group. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending private and public secondary schools in Jos, Nigeria. In total, 482 students were recruited through a multistaged stratified random sampling method. A self-administered semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on history of acne, perceptions of causes, and the attitude toward those who have the condition. All participants were examined for the presence of acne. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were conducted using SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). The self-reported prevalence of acne was 44% and that upon clinical examination was 55%. Self-report showed a moderate degree of agreement with clinical diagnosis (Cohen κ=57.3%; P<.001). Predictive factors for the presence of acne in general were age of ≥15 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.87; P=.02), being in a private school (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.38-3.42; P=.001), and being in a senior secondary class (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32-3.47; P=.002). The female gender (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.64-5.61; P=.001) and religion (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.27-8.24; P=.02) were predictive for acne only among adolescents aged <15 years, while a positive family history was predictive in those aged ≥15 years (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.15-3.61; P=.02). A distinct perception and attitude pattern surrounding acne was observed, as a significant proportion (84/131, 64.1% vs 47/131, 35.9%; P=.02) of those who related acne to a biological phenomenon had acne themselves; however, the belief that acne is caused by skin lightening practices was significantly more common in those without acne (19/28, 67.9%) than in those with acne (9/28, 32.1%; P=.01). One-fourth of the adolescents (n=122, 25.3%) had no idea of the possible causes of acne. Though acne is a prevalent skin condition among Nigerian adolescents, many misperceptions and unfavorable attitudes surround acne and persons affected by the condition. Our findings have revealed the need to work with the school health program to educate the general adolescent population about acne, to refer and manage teenagers with acne.

Analisa Kandungan Hidrokuinon Pada Krim Pemutih Wajah yang Beredar di Pasar Kodim Kota Pekanbaru Dengan Metode Spektrofotometer Uv-Vis

Whitening cream is a type of cosmetic that incorporates active substances aimed at inhibiting the formation of melanin, thus promoting lighter skin color. Hydroquinone is a frequently utilized active compound in whitening creams, despite its potential to cause skin cancer when excessively used. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of hydroquinone in facial whitening creams available in the Kodim Market of Pekanbaru City using the Uv-Vis Spectrophotometry method. Through spectrophotometric analysis, the following hydroquinone concentrations were obtained for the samples: sample A (3,409 ppm), sample B (4,774 ppm), sample C (3,250 ppm), sample D (7,132 ppm), and sample E (3,980 ppm). The corresponding percentages of hydroquinone content in each sample were calculated as follows: sample A (0.6818%), sample B (0.9548%), sample C (0.65%), sample D (1.4264%), and sample E (0.796%). These findings indicate that all five facial whitening creams tested contain hydroquinone.

Unlocking the potential of cosmetic dermal delivery with ethosomes: A comprehensive review.

In a world where hair loss, acne, and skin whitening are common concerns, ethosomes emerge as a captivating breakthrough in cosmetic drug delivery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethosomal system and assesses its potential as an effective nanocarrier for delivering active ingredients to the skin. The focus is on exploring their applications in various pathologies, particularly skin disorders such as acne, hair loss, and skin pigmentation. Ethosomes are a novel type of vesicular nanocarrier composed of high concentrations of ethanol (20-45%) and phospholipids. Their unique structure and composition make them an ideal choice for transporting active ingredients through the skin, offering targeted and effective treatment. The inclusion of ethanol in ethosomes' composition gives them distinctive properties, including flexibility, deformability, and stability, facilitating deep penetration into the skin and enhancing medication deposition. Moreover, ethosomes improved theoverall drug-loading capacity, and specificity of target treatment CONCLUSION: Ethosomes represent a unique and suitable approach for delivering active cosmetic ingredients in the treatment of hair loss, acne, and skin whitening, presenting a versatile alternative to traditional dermal delivery systems. Despite the challenges associated with their complex preparation and sensitivity to temperature and humidity, the remarkable potential benefits of ethosomes cannot be ignored. Further research is crucial to unlock their full potential, understand their limitations, and refine their formulations and administration methods. Ethosomes hold the promise of transforming the way we address these cosmetic concerns, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of advanced skincare solutions.