The role of bioactive phytoconstituents-loaded nanoemulsions for skin improvement: a review
Nissha Bharrathi Romes, Roswanira Abdul Wahab, Mariani Abdul Hamid
Abstract
As the largest organ in the human body, the skin should be protected from various harmful chemicals and pollutants from the surrounding environment and ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) radiation emitted from sunlight. This has prompted formulation scientists to embark on new technology to formulate cosmetics free of synthetic chemicals using natural plant-based extracts as the replacement. Natural phytoanti-oxidants, viz. catechin, quercetin and gallic acid, are polyphenols whose therapeutic values (antioxidative, antityrosinase, antiviral and antimicrobial) are underutilized. Plant-based nanoemulsions offer an efficient and safe topical delivery system for improving the skin and regenerative treatment. The bioavailability of the phytoanti-oxidants for molecular-level skin repair is enhanced by better permeation of the nanoemulsions’ nano-sized particles through the stratum corneum. This review highlights several phytoconstituent-containing nanoemulsions and their bioactivities for cosmetic applications. The mechanisms of skin improvement for anti-aging skin are also presented in detail. In short, nanoemulsion technology is a powerful tool for an effective topical delivery system of potent skin-protecting and rejuvenating plant-based extracts. With increasing demand from consumers worldwide for nano-formulated phytohormones or phytoextractives, nanoemulsions will see a new dimension with better future prospects.