Cosmetics and Cosmeceutical Applications of Chitin, Chitosan and Their Derivatives

Abstract

Marine resources are well recognized for their biologically active substances with great potential applications in the cosmeceutical industry. Among the different compounds with a marine origin, chitin and its deacetylated derivative—chitosan—are of great interest to the cosmeceutical industry due to their unique biological and technological properties. In this review, we explore the different functional roles of chitosan as a skin care and hair care ingredient, as an oral hygiene agent and as a carrier for active compounds, among others. The importance of the physico-chemical properties of the polymer in its use in cosmetics are particularly highlighted. Moreover, we analyse the market perspectives of this polymer and the presence in the market of chitosan-based products.

Enigmatic Microalgae from Aeroterrestrial and Extreme Habitats in Cosmetics: The Potential of the Untapped Natural Sources

“…Chitin, the second most important natural polysaccharide polymer in the world after cellulose [171,172] has a potential application in cosmetics related with moisturizing and its use as hydrating agent in cremes, soaps and lotions [6]. Chitin has anti-aging and skincare properties [7], and together with its main derivative, chitosan, chitin showed accelerating effects on the wound healing process [173]. The commercial interest in chitin and chitosan, and their derivatives, is increasing because of their beneficial properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, safety and also antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant activities [172,174].…”

“…Natural carbohydrates are characterized by antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral properties [21,206,207]. Chitin and chitosan, which can be used in blends with other natural or synthetic polymers [171], have possible applications as humectants and moisturizing agents in hair care products [6,7]. Currently, in these applications, chitosan is more used because of its ability to interact with keratin, forming transparent, elastic films over hair fibers [7,171].…”

“…Chitin and chitosan, which can be used in blends with other natural or synthetic polymers [171], have possible applications as humectants and moisturizing agents in hair care products [6,7]. Currently, in these applications, chitosan is more used because of its ability to interact with keratin, forming transparent, elastic films over hair fibers [7,171]. Chitosan and its derivatives have been included in a large variety of hair products such as shampoos, rinses, permanent wave agents, hair colorants, styling lotions, hair sprays and hair tonics to avoid hair damage, to reduce static electricity and to increase the suppleness of the hair, hair softness and hair strength [7,171,208,209].…”

“…Currently, in these applications, chitosan is more used because of its ability to interact with keratin, forming transparent, elastic films over hair fibers [7,171]. Chitosan and its derivatives have been included in a large variety of hair products such as shampoos, rinses, permanent wave agents, hair colorants, styling lotions, hair sprays and hair tonics to avoid hair damage, to reduce static electricity and to increase the suppleness of the hair, hair softness and hair strength [7,171,208,209]. The effect was even more pronounced when chitosan was blended with hyaluronic acid and collagen: the resulting covering of hair led to an increase in hair thickness and to an improvement in hair's mechanical properties with an enhancement in the general appearance and conditioning of the hair [209].…”

“…Over the years, the term acquired a new meaning, first proposed by Kligman [4]. Currently, there is growing evidence for the consolidation of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to encompass the biologically active compounds retaining therapeutic value, with increasing use of the term cosmeceuticals in this understanding [5][6][7]. In this rapidly developing branch of cosmetics, the role of natural compounds is emerging in response to the new challenges of the modern market with the basic premise that novel bioactive substances The complexity of algal chemical composition makes microalgae exploitable resources for valuable and novel products, the production of which is cost-effective [2].…”