Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry.

The integumentary system, a vital organ, constitutes a multifaceted barrier against pathogens and environmental factors, crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can accelerate skin aging and compromise its homeostatic functions and solar rays, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pose a significant risk for skin cancer. Polyphenols are molecules that donate hydrogen or electrons, preventing the oxidation of substances, such as lipids, or the formation of inflammatory mediators by cyclooxygenase enzymes. This study explored the in vitro safety, by HET-CAM (hen's egg test on chorioallantoic membrane), and protective effects of polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin) against stratum corneum UV-induced lipid peroxidation using an innovative method, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-ex vivo stratum corneum), and a stress test using methyl nicotinate and laser Doppler flowmetry to establish in vivo the samples' topical anti-inflammatory ability. An aqueous gel containing 0.1% w/w of each polyphenol was formulated using ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer. Through the utilization of the HET-CAM assay for in vitro safety assessment, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin were classified as non-irritating active ingredients. This classification was based on their lack of adverse reactions within the vascularization of the chorioallantoic membrane. To assess the protective capabilities of four polyphenols against lipid peroxidation in the stratum corneum, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC protocol was conducted. It was observed that only naringenin exhibited a significant reduction in epidermal lipoperoxidation, indicating superior anti-radical potential. Conversely, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol displayed a pro-oxidant profile under the specified test conditions. The laser Doppler flowmetry suggested the anti-inflammatory potential of naringenin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid, with naringenin showing superior efficacy involving all parameters quantified. Naringenin emerged as the only polyphenol capable of reducing the intensity of the inflammatory response induced by methyl nicotinate solution in the participants, compared to the blank gel and the untreated area. This comprehensive investigation underscores the diverse protective roles of polyphenols in skin health, emphasizing naringenin's notable anti-radical and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract associated with octocrylene, bisoctrizole, and titanium dioxide: in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: The harmful effects induced by ultraviolet exposition and the significant increment in skin cancer diagnosis confirm the necessity to develop effective and safe sunscreens. Limited efficacy and cutaneous adverse reactions of traditional formulations drove the incorporation of natural extracts into multifunctional sunscreens. Vaccinium myrtillus L. extract (VME), that contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, is a potential candidate for such systems. METHODS: Considering that, we performed in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF), photostability, and safety of sunscreen samples containing VME. RESULTS: As main results, the SPF was reduced in both in vitro and in vivo evaluation in the presence of VME; nonetheless, the samples were photostable and safe. CONCLUSION: Further investigation is required to better understand the unexpected effects of VME over photoprotection, decreasing the SPF value. As a conclusion, even with interesting findings, we highlight the importance of case-by-case investigations to develop multifunctional bioactive sunscreens.

(Bio)Technological aspects of microalgae pigments for cosmetics.

Photosynthetic microorganisms convert carbon dioxide and solar radiation into interesting bioactive compounds not yet entirely explored. Several species of microalgae are known to be rich in colored high-valuable components that, although remarkable, are poorly explored as natural sources of pigments for cosmetics. Pigments associated to photosynthetic activity include chlorophyll, ß-carotene, astaxanthin, xanthophylls, and phycobiliproteins, many of which have shown high potential as cosmetic actives due to their antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the last decade, concern with a young and beautiful appearance has emerged, encouraging many consumers to use anti-aging cosmetics daily. As a result, the cosmetic market has been growing and evolving rapidly to meet consumer expectations. However, due to regular use and the sensitive nature of facial skin, local adverse reactions may often occur, such as irritation, sensitization, or photoreactions, and safety evaluation is mandatory prior to marketing. It is, therefore, understandable that new actives from natural sources, such as microalgae, are perceived as attractive alternatives for consumers who seek ingredients without allergenic potential. Thus, the cosmetic industry has recently started to explore the inclusion of compounds extracted from microalgae and cyanobacteria in innovative formulations. Herein, we revised nontraditional microalgae species for pigment production with cosmetic applications, indicating those that could also be considered potential ingredients for innovative cosmetics. KEY POINTS: • Extraction methods for pigments from photosynthetic microorganisms were compiled. • Innovative cosmeceuticals could be developed with natural pigments. • Safety features of such natural pigments were also described.

Using ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 to limit cutaneous penetration and transdermal permeation of organic UV filters.

Avobenzone (AVO), oxybenzone (OXY), and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), are widely used UV filters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporation in mesoporous silica (SBA-15) on their cutaneous deposition and permeation. Stick formulations containing "free" and "incorporated" UV filters (SF1 and SF2, respectively) were prepared and characterized with respect to their physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties. Cutaneous delivery experiments using porcine skin with quantification by UHPLC-MS/MS, demonstrated that skin deposition of AVO and OXY after application of SF2 for 6 and 12 h was significantly lower than that from SF1 at each time-point (Student t-test, p < 0.05): e.g. OXY permeation across the skin was 30-, 12- and 1.5-fold lower after 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively, following application of SF2. Cutaneous biodistribution profiles of AVO and OXY to 800 µm evidenced a significant decrease in the amounts in the viable epidermis and dermis. In contrast, deposition of the more lipophilic OMC was not significantly different (p ˃ 0.05). In vitro photoprotective efficacy results demonstrated that adsorption/entrapment of UV filters enhanced the sun protection factor by 94%. In conclusion, SBA-15, an innovative mesoporous material, increased photoprotection by UV filters while reducing their cutaneous penetration and transdermal permeation.

Fotoprotetores bioativos contendo extrato de mirtilo (Vaccinium myrtillus L. ): caracterização físico-química e funcional / Bioactive sunscreens containing blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L. ): physicochemical and funcional characterization

Os efeitos deletérios causados pela radiação ultravioleta (UV) e o aumento significativo no diagnóstico de câncer de pele, confirmam a necessidade de um progresso significativo na pesquisa de produtos fotoprotetores eficazes e seguros, para proteção eficaz da pele. As formulações atuais associam filtros UV, orgânicos e inorgânicos, com eficácia limitada e que podem acarretar reações cutâneas adversas. O extrato de Vaccinium myrtillus L. (EVM) apresenta em sua composição compostos fenólicos, como as antocianinas, que possuem atividade antioxidante. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar formulações fotoprotetoras contendo extrato de Vaccinium myrtillus L. com amplo espectro de ação e concentrações reduzidas de filtros UV. As emulsões contendo ou não EVM e filtros orgânicos (octocrileno e metileno bis-benzotriazolil tetrametilbutilfenol) e inorgânico (dióxido de titânio) foram avaliadas e consideradas estáveis perante parâmetros pré-definidos. O perfil de segurança foi determinado pelo método in vitro Hen´s Egg Test - Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) e o potencial antirradicalar do EVM foi confirmado pelo teste de DPPH• A formulação fotoprotetora acrescida de 5,0% de EVM foi avaliada quanto à eficácia fotoprotetora in vivo e in vitro e não demonstrou aumento significativo no FPS quando comparada à formulação que continha somente os filtros solares e, no ensaio referente à hidratação da pele, não houve alteração nos dados, segundo teste de eficácia clínica. Os resultados obtidos sugeriram que mesmo não apresentando aumento no valor de FPS in vivo, a formulação fotoprotetora contendo o extrato, poderia atuar como agente antioxidante evitando os danos provocados pela radiação UV

The deleterious effects caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV) and the significant increase in the diagnosis of skin cancer confirm the need for significant progress in researching effective and safe sunscreen products for effective skin protection. Current formulations associate UV, organic and inorganic filters with limited efficacy that can lead to adverse skin reactions. Vaccinium myrtillus extract (EVM) contains in its composition polyphenols compounds, such as anthocyanins, which have been antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate sunscreens containing EVM with broad action spectrum and reduced concentrations of UV filters. Emulsions containing or not EVM and organic (octocrylene and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol) and inorganic (titanium dioxide) filters were evaluated and considered stable under pre-defined parameters. The safety of the emulsion was assessed was determined by the in vitro Hen´s Egg Test - Chorioallantoic Membrane method (HET-CAM) and the antiradical potential of EVM was confirmed by the DPPH• test. The sunscreen formulation containing EVM 5.0% was photoprotective efficacy evaluated in vivo and in vitro and did not show a significant increase in SPF when compared the formulation only with UV filters and no improves skin hydration, according to clinical efficacy assay. The results of the study suggest that even without increase SPF in vivo, the sunscreen formulation containing the extract may show antioxidant activity avoiding damage caused by UV