Research

Research Summary Novel personal care products are necessary to meet the growing market demand for sustainable green products. In this context, this work focuses on the formulation and fundamental physicochemical and rheological characterization of various natural personal care products using bioactive fractions from Chondrus crispus, a red macroalgae, extracted under optimized green conditions. Body milks, body oils, and shampoos were supplemented with soluble extracts possessing antioxidant properties. These extracts were recovered following hydrothermal (200°C), microwave (170°C), and ultrasound (80°C)-assisted extraction of the red macroalgae used as raw material. The formulated products were compared with those prepared using (±)-α-tocopherol and butylhydroxytoluene...

Research Summary Skin plays an essential role in our personal image and aesthetics, as it is where the first signs of aging become visible. To prevent and mitigate this natural physiological process and achieve a more youthful appearance, consumers are constantly searching for innovative anti-aging skincare products, including more effective and safer ingredients. Peptides, in particular, have gained attention as cosmetic ingredients in anti-aging formulations due to their efficacy in reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and stimulating collagen production. Additionally, peptides are less irritating alternatives to conventional cosmetic ingredients used for combating skin aging. However, despite these advantages, peptides face considerable...

Research Summary Poor aqueous solubility of drugs remains a foremost challenge in pharmaceutical product development. The use of lipids in designing formulations provides an opportunity to enhance the aqueous solubility and consequently improve the bioavailability of drugs. Pre-dissolution of drugs in lipids, surfactants, or mixtures of lipid excipients and surfactants eliminates the dissolution step, which is likely to be the rate-limiting factor for oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize lipid excipients in relation to their classification, absorption mechanisms, and lipid-based product development. Methodologies used for the preparation of solid and semi-solid lipid formulations, their...

Research Summary Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative that has many roles in medicine. This review examines the role of nicotinamide in dermatology and its actions in preventing photoaging and skin cancers in humans. Nicotinamide prevents ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reducing ATP levels and inhibiting glycolysis, thus preventing the UV radiation-induced energy crisis. This enhances DNA repair and reduces UV-induced suppression of immunity. Randomized controlled clinical trials have also shown that nicotinamide reduces transepidermal water loss and the development of new non-melanoma skin cancers in high-risk humans. This review also examines nicotinamide’s safety profile. Keywords: actinic keratosis, niacinamide, non-melanoma...