Current Cosmetic Science - Volume 4, Issue 1, 2025

Many individuals are interested in skin whitening creams as a lighter complexion is in great demand since time immemorial. In both males and females, hyperpigmentation is one of the aesthetic issues, in which dark spots or patches appear on the skin, overproduction or accumulation of melanin within the skin layer is the probable cause of this hyperpigmentation. Corticosteroids, hydroquinone and ammonium chloride, the traditional pharmacological agents, produce light skin colour by inhibiting the process of melanogenesis or melanocyte maturation.

The investigation focuses on a number of potent natural compounds utilised in whitening creams, including arbutin, kojic acid, hydroquinone, and other plant extracts. It also discusses how effectively they function in terms of lowering melanin levels, which have been compared to other formulations' administration duration or treatment time scales and additional details on the formulation features of skin-whitening creams, including how to choose vehicle systems, additional ingredients, and active compounds. The data was collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Wiley Online Library.

This review revealed that herbal products are safer, less toxic and equally efficient as synthetic components utilised for the formulation of skin whitening cream. Various 
in vitro and skin 3D models like VISIA^® 3D Skin Complexion Analysis System and Photoscopic Dermoscopy (PAD) have also been discussed, and it is observed that collectively these standards play a vital role in ensuring and maintaining high-quality standards across products.

This study provides a wealth of knowledge about the herbal plant extracts responsible for skin whitening, along with their pathways and evaluations.

The primary goal of the present investigation is to measure the concentration of trace elements and minerals in specific medicinal plants that play an important role in the treatment of skin conditions.

We analysed trace elements in Moringa oleifera, Annona squamosa, and Tridax procumbens by the ED-XRF method.

We found elements like Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Ag, Re, Cr, Zr, and Ni. The quantity of elements K and Ca has shown maximum concentration in selected noteworthy Indian plants. As the literature suggests, Moringa oleifera Linn., Annona squamosa, and Tridax procumbens are found to be efficacious and anti-inflammatory drugs with the least side effects as compared to synthetic drugs used in the treatment of skin diseases. Therefore, the determination of minerals and trace elements in plants is very important. The quality of many drugs and nutrients depends on both the content and the type of elements present in the sample.

The present study for ED-XRF analysis to identify different metallic elements concludes that they contain significant components that are crucial for the treatment of various skin diseases. In this work, the concentrations of some essential and non-essential heavy metals were determined and reported by using ED-XRF analysis.

Cosmetic products, particularly lipsticks, are widely used to enhance facial features and boost self-confidence. However, conventional lipsticks often contain synthetic chemicals that may cause skin irritation and pose environmental hazards. With the increasing demand for sustainable beauty solutions, herbal lipsticks made from natural, plant-based ingredients are gaining popularity due to their safety and eco-friendly nature.

This review study was conducted by analysing published literature on herbal and synthetic lipsticks. It covers various aspects including the history, types, formulation methods, pigment extraction processes, physical evaluation, consumer preferences, and market trends related to herbal lipsticks. Emphasis was placed on comparative analysis of synthetic versus herbal formulations in terms of safety, cost, and environmental impact.

Herbal lipsticks were found to offer multiple advantages over their synthetic counterparts. They are generally non-toxic, cost-effective, and safe for routine use. The pigments used are derived from naturally occurring sources such as vegetables and plants, which reduces chemical load and environmental burden associated with conventional lipsticks.

The findings highlight the significant benefits of herbal lipsticks, including reduced health risks and enhanced environmental safety. These products align with the current consumer shift towards organic and green cosmetics. However, limitations include variability in pigment stability and a need for more standardized formulations. Further research and innovation are required to match the performance of synthetic lipsticks without compromising the herbal integrity.

Herbal lipsticks represent a promising alternative to conventional synthetic products by offering a safer, eco-friendly, and sustainable option. Their increasing acceptance underscores the growing preference for natural cosmetics, supporting a healthier and more environmentally responsible beauty industry.

The widespread availability of facial products in the market often leads to various side effects upon prolonged use. In response to this issue, herbal cosmetics, including face packs, scrubs, and creams, have emerged as a safer alternative. Herbal face packs, in particular, are renowned for their minimal side effects, such as pigmentation, acne, scars, and other skin ailments.

This study aimed to formulate an Ayurvedic herbal face pack with therapeutic potential, focusing on the traditional formulation “Mukha Lepa”. This formulation incorporates natural ingredients, such as Manjistha, Lodhra, Chandana, and Haridra, renowned for their skin-enhancing properties.

All herbal raw materials were sourced from the market, washed, ground into fine powder, and sieved (#80). The ingredients were weighed, uniformly mixed using a mortar and pestle, and packed in self-sealable polyethylene bags for further evaluation.

The formulated face pack was evaluated for various parameters, including appearance, stability, smoothness, irritancy, and pH. The results indicated its efficacy in skin strengthening, enhancing radiance, and cleansing.

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an ayurvedic herbal face pack “Mukha Lepa” employing four well-known botanicals—Manjistha, Lodhra, Chandana, and Haridra—with documented skin-beneficial properties. The discussion below interprets the findings in the context of phytochemistry, mechanism of action, and practical applicability, and highlights limitations and future directions.

Based on the evaluation parameters, it is concluded that the prepared “Mukha Lepa” face pack demonstrates safety and efficacy, suggesting its suitability for routine use as a natural solution for skin enhancement.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit, which leads to the development of inflammatory lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, and non-inflammatory comedones. While it typically begins during adolescence, it can also occur in individuals in their 20s or 30s.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, and other scholarly repositories spanning from 2001 to 2024. Articles were chosen based on their exploration of Acne vulgaris's effects on the skin and its treatment approaches, including conventional methods and nanotechnology. Keywords such as “Acne vulgaris, Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Retinoids, and Antibiotics” were utilized for selection. Studies that were not in English or lacked sufficient detail on Acne vulgaris were excluded based on predefined criteria. Conventional acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, acids, retinoids, and antibiotics, are frequently used. However, these treatments face significant challenges, including toxicity, poor water solubility, limited retention time at the target site, and inadequate penetration through the skin's outer layer (stratum corneum). In response to these limitations, recent pharmaceutical advancements are focusing on developing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to improve the effectiveness of acne treatments.

Nanoparticles provide multiple advantages in treating acne. They improve skin hydration, enhance drug penetration, prolong retention at the target site, increase drug solubility, and enable sustained release of the medication. These improvements are attributed to the nanoparticles' small size, lipid occlusion properties, and specialized surface characteristics.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer promising solutions for overcoming the limitations of traditional acne treatments. By improving drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy, they reduce the need for frequent dosing and present a more effective and targeted approach to managing acne vulgaris.

Biocosmetics, an era of natural-friendly constituents in the cosmetic market, emerged as a response to growing concerns regarding the environmental impact, health risks, and animal testing associated with traditional cosmetic products. Over the years, the cosmetic industry has relied heavily on synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients, which have raised questions about their safety and long-term effects on human health and the environment.

The objective of biocosmetics was to introduce an era of natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable constituents in the cosmetic market. This shift aims to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and harsh ingredients, promoting a healthier and more sustainable alternative for personal care products.

The study utilizes a comprehensive review of existing literature, market research, and industry insights to gather information.

1. Enhanced consumer health and safety: By replacing synthetic chemicals with natural ingredients, biocosmetics minimize the risk of skin irritations, allergies, and long-term health concerns. 2. Environmental sustainability: Biocosmetics rely on renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint and waste generated by the cosmetic industry.

An era of natural-friendly constituents in the cosmetic market represents a significant shift towards a more sustainable, health-conscious, and environmentally responsible approach in the beauty industry. By embracing natural, bio-based, and renewable resources, biocosmetics prioritize consumer well-being, minimize environmental impact, and foster economic growth for local communities.

As the demand for natural and eco-friendly cosmetic products continues to rise, the cosmetic industry is witnessing a transformation that encourages innovation, consumer education, and a more conscious lifestyle.

Bakuchiol is a meroterpene and is utilized in many cosmetic preparations in the form of Psoralea corylifolia as a substitute for retinoids. The calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers is rich in carotenoids. The standardized ethanolic extract of the calyx indicated the presence of a yellow-orange colour pigment, which was found identical to crocin, an apocarotenoid present in saffron. Hence, orange-coloured tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis can be utilized as a substitute for saffron.

To utilize the tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis as an economical source of crocin and Psoralea corylifolia seed as a source of bakuchiol for the development of a stable hydrogel formulation as well as evaluation of its antiaging activity and sunscreen property.

Crocin-rich ethanolic extract calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis was prepared using the maceration method. The seeds of Psoralea corylifolia were extracted using petroleum ether (60-80) using a Soxhlet extractor. Hydrogel formulation was prepared using crocin-rich extract and bakuchiol-rich extract. Evaluation of formulation was carried out, and results were found to be within the specification range. The antiaging activity was evaluated using an in vitro antielastase method. The formulation exhibits good antiaging activity. The sunscreen activity was assessed using the sun protection factor and boot star rating.

The hydrogel formulation showed promising antiaging activity by inhibiting collagenase and elastase enzymes. The formulation showed an SPF of 13.72 and a Boot Star rating of 2, indicating it is an effective sunscreen agent. Also, the formulation was found to be a good moisturizing agent. The present study concluded that crocin and bakuchiol extract formulations effectively combat ageing process and also act as good sunscreen agents.

The topical hydrogel formulation demonstrated promising anti-aging properties and moderate UV protection.

Neurocosmetics is a fascinating convergence of neuroscience and cosmetics, a field unraveling the intricate connections between our brains and beauty products. This interdisciplinary domain investigates how our neurological processes influence beauty perceptions, skincare experiences, and mental well-being. It delves into the physiological and psychological aspects of beauty, shedding light on how our brains respond to cosmetic products. In this review paper, we traverse through the burgeoning realm of Neurocosmetics.

A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following key terms: “Neurocosmetics,” “Neuroscience,” “Cosmetics,” “Beauty Perception,” and “Skincare.” This study aimed to uncover the neurobiological foundations that underlie our perception and application of cosmetics.

Through this exploration, neurocosmetics seeks to pave the way for innovations that not only enhance physical appearance but also contribute to mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to beauty that intertwines neuroscience and skincare.

This paper delves into the technological advancements in neuroimaging and neurosensory analysis, tools that enable a more profound comprehension of how cosmetic products stimulate our senses and neural pathways. By scrutinizing current research, the goal is to illustrate the potential of neurocosmetics in not just revolutionizing the beauty industry but also in fostering a more profound grasp of how our brains interpret and respond to cosmetic interventions and uncover the neurobiological foundations that underlie our perception and application of cosmetics. Through this exploration, neurocosmetics seeks to pave the way for innovations that not only enhance physical appearance but also contribute to mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to beauty that intertwines neuroscience and skincare.

A paradigm shift is brought about by the combination of medicines with cutting-edge medical technology, which improves patient outcomes, effectiveness, and accuracy. The review dives into applications such as anti-aging therapy, nanotechnology, and acne treatment while also examining obstacles, traditional procedures, and current breakthroughs. It highlights the difficulties with patient adherence, safety, and regulatory barriers while projecting a future where genetics, biosensors, and artificial intelligence will power tailored therapies. Emphasis is placed on the potential for global dermatological health, imagining a time when drug-device combos would alter skincare globally.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of drug-device combinations in dermatology and advancement in drug-device combinations for dermatological therapy.

A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following key terms” Dermatology,” “Cosmetic technologies,” “Dermatopharmacology,” “Beauty Perception,” and “Skincare.”

The assessment of the safety and effectiveness profiles of various drug-device combinations, considering long-term effects, adverse events, patient satisfaction, and clinical results. This includes an examination of the fundamental processes by which pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge cosmetic technologies work together to produce therapeutic outcomes like improved drug delivery, targeted therapy, and synergistic effects.

In conclusion, drug-device combinations offer a viable way to improve therapeutic outcomes and elevate patient care in dermatology by fusing pharmaceuticals with cutting-edge cosmetic technology. Our analysis focuses on the wide range of combinations that are currently available, as well as their effectiveness, safety profiles, and underlying mechanisms of action. Even though there has been a lot of development, issues, including patient variability, technical constraints, and regulatory barriers, still exist.

Maximizing cosmetic product efficiency requires the optimization of active ingredient concentrations and their release rate. Vitamin B12 has recently gained attention as a cosmetic ingredient due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, soothing, and hydrating properties. By adjusting vitamin B12 concentrations and employing advanced formulation techniques, appropriate therapeutic and aesthetic outcomes can be achieved.

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of formulation matrix and vitamin B12 concentration on its release from cosmetic products. The physicochemical properties of oil-in-water emulsions and gels with 0.025, 0.050, and 0.100 wt.% of the active ingredient were compared.

The release of vitamin B12 from gel and oil-in-water emulsions was investigated in phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) at 32°C for 4 hours using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Viscosity, pH, density, microbiological purity, and stability of formulations were determined.

Both gel and emulsion formulations were stable and exhibited consistent physicochemical properties. Emulsions had higher viscosity and lower density compared to gels, influencing the release of vitamin B12. Gels consistently released more vitamin B12 than emulsions across all concentrations: 0.025% (0.24 mg vs. 0.14 mg), 0.05% (0.23 mg vs. 0.20 mg), and 0.1% (0.59 mg vs. 0.24 mg).

Gel formulations were more effective than emulsions in releasing vitamin B12, particularly at higher concentrations. The increased release from gels was primarily due to their lower viscosity and the hydrophilic nature of the active ingredients. Further studies are needed to investigate skin permeability and confirm the efficiency of these formulations in cosmetic applications.

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate ascorbic acid and ferulic acid-containing liposomal gel for treating skin aging.

In this study, the thin film hydration technique was employed to create liposomes containing phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol that were stimulated with ascorbic acid and ferulic acid. The produced liposomes were evaluated for stability, zeta potential, and size, and liposomal gel was evaluated for spreadability, viscosity, and in vitro drug release.

The optimized liposomes had a zeta potential of (-49) mV, a Polydispersity Index (PDI) of (0.488), a particle size of 1028 nm, and an entrapment efficiency of (90.20) %. On the other hand, the spreadability of liposomal gel was determined as 5.86 cm, and the percentage of drug release was recorded as 96.6%.

To achieve a stable liposomal formulation, it was discovered that the preparation of liposomes containing ascorbic acid and ferulic acid and then dispensing it in the form of liposomal gel was an effective method. After a thorough assessment of liposomes and liposomal gel, it was determined that the latter might be effectively employed as a topical gel to treat aging skin.