Bioactive films containing lemongrass suitable for dermo-cosmetic skincare applications, study suggests
24 Oct 2022 --- Chitosan bioactive films containing lemongrass essential oil (LEO) (Cymbopogon citratus) showed promise as antioxidant and antimicrobial skin masks. This is according to joint research carried out in Portugal and Brazil-based universities that developed these chitosan films which can be used as green cosmetic skin treatments.
According to researchers, these findings come at a time when concerns about environmental waste and the circular economy are encouraging the development of [environmentally] sustainable alternatives in various industries, including personal care and cosmetics.
The market for eco-friendly anti-aging skincare products has been expanding in the dermo-cosmetic industry over the past few years, they add.
LEO at various concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) were formulated into chitosan filmogenic matrices to form skincare bioactive films. The LEO concentration strongly influenced their antioxidant properties and water vapor permeability.
Investigating antioxidant capacity
To create a biodegradable, environmentally-friendly skin mask with antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities, the study developed and characterized chitosan bioactive films incorporating LEO.
Researchers have developed chitosan films with lemongrass essential oil that could be used as a green cosmetic skin treatment.The bioactive chitosan films’ physical, cellular and antibacterial characteristics were studied to illustrate their potential use as a sustainable substitute for traditional sheet masks in environmental waste and circular economy problems.
The study found that bioactive chitosan films containing 0.5% LEO demonstrated more significant than 70% cellular viability, while those containing 1.5% LEO demonstrated antioxidant capacity comparable to NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine).
Due to good flexibility and specific permeability, LEO-loaded chitosan biofilms can be employed as sheet masks with antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities for skincare.
They also pose no cytotoxic concerns, the researchers note.
The researchers add that with the extra biodegradability characteristic that would compete with the available options of synthetically prepared masks, the chitosan bioactive films offered the right attributes to introduce into the cosmetics industry.
Biopolymer for skincare
Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity and antibacterial activity, chitosan is a biopolymer used in various applications. The molecule is chitin, the second-most prevalent natural polymer after cellulose, in its deacetylated form. It can be found in living things, including mushrooms, insects and crustaceans.
To further understand the behavior in human skin, the researchers add that in vivo research on bioactive cutaneous penetration and skin biometeorology is needed for the bioactive chitosan films.
Within lemongrass-infused NPD, skincare brand Dr. Doug’s Balms previously unveiled a Bug Potion topical formula that used lemongrass instead of DEET. The bug repellent may detoxify the skin and leave it with a pleasant odor due to the lemongrass.
Edited by Nicole Kerr
