Herbal Cosmetics and Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Herbal cosmetics are defined as the products which prepared by or included plants and/or herbal components which are combination of many natural molecules or compounds. In this context, critical parameters that affect the final quality and stability of herbal cosmetics are the specifications of herbal inputs, structure of formulation and manufacturing process. In addition to produce according to the good manufacturing practices of cosmetics (ISO 22716) in case of being natural or organic cosmetic it needs to meet the related international standard for technical definitions and criteria of natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products (ISO 16128). Novel drug delivery systems are used in herbal cosmetics and between them vesicular, particular and emulsion based delivery systems are most preferable delivery systems. The advantages of such systems for herbal cosmetics can be listed as; enhanced efficacy, improved stability and decrease allergic potential of some herbal substances. As a result, choosing an appropriate drug delivery system for a herbal cosmetic is able to provide increased efficacy, stability and enhanced safety of the final product. Besides these advantages above mentioned since herbal cosmetics have become more complicated the fulfillment of quality requirements either during production or after packaging and during shelf life would be critical that need to fulfill long-term stability and dermatological safety.

The Impact of Herbal Products in the Prevention, Regeneration and Delay of Skin Aging

“…Besides the skin penetration properties, the purpose of a drug delivery system is to increase the duration of action and stability, prevent incompatibility with other ingredients in the formulation and prevent the occurrence of undesirable effects either locally or systemic [73,79,80]. Various forms of drug delivery systems that are widely used include vesicles (liposomes, niozomes, nanosomes, phytosomes, herbosomes, marinosom, oleosom, aquasom, ultrasom, photozom, ethosome, transferosome, sphingosome, colloidosomes), emulsions (microemulsions, nanoemulsions, liquid crystals) and particulates (microparticles, nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, structured nano lipid carriers, microcapsules, nanocapsules, microspheres, nanocrystalline and cyclodextrin).…”

“…The development of a drug delivery system for cosmeceutical products has been shown to increase its usefulness, but because the product is used daily for a long time, attention should be paid regarding the possibility of unwanted side effects. Therefore, product development must also take in to account the safety aspects [79,80].…”

Herbal nanocosmecuticals: A review on cosmeceutical innovation

“…These activities are shown due to phytochemicals present in plants/herbs, they are present in a wide range including different types of essential oils, saponins, minerals, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, alkaloids, and vitamins. From the literature search, it is observed that these products demonstrate an aesthetic appeal as well as therapeutic use 3,4,5,7,8 . Due to boosted effectiveness, fewer adverse effects and innate adequacy in day‐to‐day life herbal cosmeceuticals are getting acclaimed more than conventional cosmetics 4…”

“…From the literature search, it is observed that these products demonstrate an aesthetic appeal as well as therapeutic use. 3,4,5,7,8 Due to boosted effectiveness, fewer adverse effects and innate adequacy in dayto-day life herbal cosmeceuticals are getting acclaimed more than conventional cosmetics. 4 Despite several advantages, herbal constituents many a time have shortcomings such as instability, low quality, less skin permeability, reduced solubility, less lightening effects, and lack of stringent regulatory guidelines and standardization for herbals.…”

A Review on Role of Various Medicinal Plants in Cosmetics and Cure Health

“…The important property of the herbal cosmetics is that it is purely made by the herbs or their active constituents. 3 It is reported that the natural content in the herbs or shrubs does not cause any unwanted reactions on the human body; rather enhance the body with supplements and other helpful minerals(Fuller's earth).…”