Indian researchers explore potent skincare synergies of aloe vera and wild carrot

13 Mar 2023 --- A team of researchers from India has investigated the synergistic skincare properties of natural extracts based on aloe vera and wild carrot. When formulated in an herbal cream format prepared using an oil-in-water method, the composition of the extracts were found to offer a multipurpose effect on skin, including whitening, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging and sunscreen properties.

Through rigorous testing, the researchers from Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University have determined that the cream is safe for use on skin, with no adverse effects reported during irritancy studies, deeming it a “stable and effective” product.

“We know that it is not possible to get an efficiency effect with a single herb, but by taking combinations of different extracts it can be possible to increase the efficiency of the extracts,” the researchers comment.

“The prepared formulation is a polyherbal face cream of oil-in-water type emulsion, so the cream can be easily washable with water.”

Innova Market Insights reports that using plant-based claims in personal care launches is increasing globally, featuring a 32% year-over-year growth when comparing 2020 and 2021.The researchers found no specific adverse effects in the formulated cream. It did not cause any redness, edema, inflammation or irritation.

Wrinkle-busting powers of aloe vera
Innova Market Insights reports that using plant-based claims in personal care launches is increasing globally, featuring a 32% year-over-year growth when comparing 2020 and 2021.

According to the market researcher, natural beauty product launches show stable growth with an average annual growth of 5% between Q4/2017 – Q3/2018 compared to Q4/2021 – Q3/2022. Skincare leads in natural claims and oils are the fastest-growing category at 42%, followed closely by fragrances.

Aloe vera in particular, is a well known botanical for its medicinal and cosmetic value in the Indian traditional system of medicine and the skincare industry as a whole. 

Aloesin, an active compound derived from aloe vera, is reported to exhibit antityrosinase activity by inhibiting melanin production in cell culture. This highlights the plant’s use in skin-lightening products.

In addition, aloe vera has been regarded as a “powerful and protective” agent against damage to skin against the ultraviolet radiation, due to the presence of its antioxidant activity, highlight the researchers at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University.

“Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides [long chain sugars] that help in maintaining moisture into the skin,” they note.

“Aloe stimulates fibroblasts [a type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue], which helps in producing the collagen that makes the skin more elastic and less wrinkled.”

Aloe’s benefits can be attributed at least partly to its nutrients since it contains proteins, carbohydrates (including mucopolysaccharides), vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B6, C and folic acid) and minerals. “The beneficial nutrients present in the aloe vera makes the skin smooth, moisturize, heal fastly and regenerate,” highlight the researchers.

Radical scavenger
Beta carotene, which is found in high levels in wild carrot, is deemed the most abundant and most efficient precursor of vitamin A. It is called a “radical scavenger” because it protects the skin from harmful UV radiations through its antioxidant properties.

“Beta carotene is capable of increasing cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions related to epithelium damage,” note the researchers.

Beta carotene, which is found in high levels in wild carrot, is called a “radical scavenger” because it protects the skin from harmful UV radiations.

Beta carotene also enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.

“It is reported that Daucus carota [wild carrot] contains more amounts of vitamin C and an abundant amount of beta carotene,” highlight the researchers. “It is assumed that beta carotene-containing plants, as well as antioxidant activity-producing plants, can be used in face care cream, to produce sunscreen, anti-aging and anti-wrinkle effects.”

Study parameters
The cream used in the study contained aloe vera, wild carrot, ethanol, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, almond oil, glycerin, methylparaben and triethanolamine. Three different preparations of the cream – F1, F2 and F3 – were examined for their efficacies and safety, which led to an overall conclusion about the ideal ratio of ingredients.

F1 was found to be the most ideal formula, containing 0.35 g of aloe vera, 0.35 g of wild carrot, 0.6 g of cetyl alcohol, 4 g of stearic acid, 2 g of almond oil, 1 g of glycerin, 0.02 g of methylparaben and 50 mL of water.

“Our study indicated that the formulation F1 found to be more stable while remaining formulations were not stable, as they resulted in a breakdown of the emulsion when stored for a long time,” conclude the researchers.

“This formulation had almost suitable and constant pH, homogeneous, emollient, non-greasy and easily removed after the application. The stable formulation F1 was safe with respect to skin irritation and allergic sensitization.”

By Benjamin Ferrer