Background: N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) is an amino sugar which can reduce melanin production. NAG has previously been formulated for topical use in many nanocarrier systems, excluding microemulsions (MEs). In this study, NAG was prepared in the form of MEs and assessed in terms of skin permeability, cytotoxicity, and effectiveness for cosmetic applications. Aims: To investigate the skin penetration, cytotoxicity, and anti-melanogenesis of Nacetylglucosamine loaded microemulsions (NAG-MEs). Methods: Two NAG-MEs (NME1 and NME2) were prepared. The in vitro penetration study of NAG-MEs was evaluated by modified Franz diffusion cells using full-thickness porcine ear skin as the membrane. The optimized formula was then selected for further assessment of cytotoxicity and efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity was examined using human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and B16 melanoma cells. Anti-melanogenic activity was investigated by determination of melanin production of B16 melanoma cells. Results: The cumulative amounts of NAG from NME1 and NME2 in the receptor fluid at 24 hours were 1010.46 ± 31.63 and 1260.99 ± 100.19 µg/cm 2 and those accumulated in the skin membrane were 155.59 ± 19.19 and 181.11 ± 20.38 µg/cm 2 , respectively. NME2 and its blank counterpart (Blank-ME2) showed no adverse effects on the viability of both HaCaT and B16 melanoma cells. The anti-melanogenic activity data showed that the NME2 treated B16 cells exhibited a significant melanin reduction. Conclusions: NAG-MEs could allow NAG penetrate through and accumulate in fullthickness porcine ear skin. NME2 was safe for both normal human keratinocytes and melanoma cells. It also showed effectiveness on anti-melanogenic activity in B16 melanoma cells.
Objective: Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytochemical active compound from the Cannabis sativa L., has become a popular ingredient in many industries, especially skincare products. However, the scientific evidence supporting its potential skin benefits and safety concerns are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term cytotoxic effects of CBD and its potential melanin-promoting effect on skin cells in order to deeply evaluate the safety of CBD for use in cosmetics. Material and Methods: HaCaT keratinocytes and B16F10 melanoma cell lines were cultured and investigated in regard to the cytotoxicity of cannabidiol in various concentrations (0-10 μg/ml) in the short term and long term by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and clonogenic assay, respectively. Next, the cellular melanin production was measured by melanin content assay. The expression of the related genes was accessed by qPCR. Results: The short-term and long-term cytotoxicity studies revealed that CBD at a low concentration was not toxic to skin cells. In addition, CBD could induce melanogenesis in melanocytes by increasing melanin content and upregulating tyrosinase expression. Also, CBD provoked cell proliferation and enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in keratinocytes. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that CBD at a low concentration (0.6 μg/ml) is safe for the skin cells in vitro and should thus also be safe if applied to skin. Additionally, CBD could significantly enhance melanogenesis and cell proliferation, which confirms its potential as a cosmeceutical product.
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