Compatibility study between ferulic acid and excipients used in cosmetic formulations by TG/DTG, DSC and FTIR

Abstract

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is a phytochemical constituent from the polyphenols group commonly found in whole grains, spinach, parsley, grapes and rhubarb. It has been widely applied in skin care formulations as photoprotective agent and delayer of cutaneous photoaging processes. This work aims to establish a protocol to the development of cosmetic formulations using thermoanalytical techniques (TG/DTG and DSC) and Pearson's correlation by FTIR data, in order to evaluate the compatibility between ferulic acid and excipients used in skin care formulations. The results obtained from the thermoanalytical techniques indicated compatibility between ferulic acid and the following excipients: passion fruit seed oil, Carbopol Ò Ultrez 30, EDTA, Crodabase CR2 Ò , Crodamol TM GTCC and Dow Corning Ò RM 2051. Nevertheless, the analysis also demonstrated the possibility of some interaction between ferulic acid and the following excipients: glyceryl stearate, Rapithix Ò A-60 and Optiphen Ò . To validate these results, it was demonstrated by Pearson's correlation that passion fruit seed oil, Carbopol Ò Ultrez 30, EDTA, Crodabase CR2 Ò , Crodamol TM GTCC, Dow Corning Ò RM 2051, glyceryl stearate and Rapithix Ò A-60 do not have any incompatibility that may compromise ferulic acid properties. Finally, it was also proved a meaningful incompatibility between ferulic acid and Optiphen Ò using Pearson's correlation. Thus, it is not recommended to use Optiphen Ò in the development of cosmetic formulations to carry ferulic acid.

Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application

“…Phenolic acids are secondary metabolites of varying chemical structures and biological properties. The plants are mainly found in bound form as ester or glycosides, lignin components, and hydrolysis tannins [2,3]. In terms of chemical structure, they can be divided into derivatives of cinnamic and benzoic acid, varying in number and substitution of hydroxyl and methoxy groups, and phenolic acids of unusual character.…”

“…An additional group is the depside, which is a combination of two or more phenolic acids [2]. Ferulic acid, like caffeic, p-coumaric, synapine, syryte, and vanillin acids, is the most common cinnamic acid derivative [3].…”

“…One of the most important role of phenolic acids, especially cinnamic acid derivatives, is their antioxidant activity, which depends primarily on the number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups attached to the phenyl ring [3,4]. Ferulic acid is more easily absorbed into the body and stays in the blood longer than any other phenolic acids.…”

“…Moreover, it is widely applied in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent (sunscreens), delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component. Nonetheless, its use is limited by its tendency to be rapidly oxidized [3,[5][6][7].…”

“…Ferulic acid is not only a free radical scavenger, but also an inhibitor of enzymes that catalyze free radical generation and an enhancer of scavenger enzyme activity. It is directly related to its chemical structure [3,[10][11][12]. Its antioxidating properties are primarily related to scavenging of free radicals, binding transition metals such as iron and copper, and lipid peroxidation prevention.…”