Natural Ingredients Common in the Trás-os-Montes Region (Portugal) for Use in the Cosmetic Industry: A Review about Chemical Composition and Antigenotoxic Properties

Abstract

The natural cosmetics market has grown since consumers became aware of the concept of natural-based ingredients. A significant number of cosmetics have an ecological impact on the environment and carry noxious and chemically potent substances. Thus, the use of natural and organic cosmetics becomes increasingly important since it is clear that topical treatment with cosmeceuticals can help improve skin rejuvenation. A substantial investigation into the benefits that fruits and plants can bring to health is required. Studies have shown that antigenotoxic properties are linked to anti-aging properties. Several studies have shown potential antigenotoxicity in natural ingredients such as Almonds (Prunus dulcis), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Olives (Olea europaea), and Grapes (Vitis vinifera). This review presents an overview of research conducted on these natural ingredients, the most common in the Northeast of Portugal. This region of Portugal possesses the most organic farmers, and ingredients are easily obtained. The Northeast of Portugal also has climatic, topographic, and pedological differences that contribute to agricultural diversity.

The Beauty and the Toxic Beast: Use of Comet Assay to Study Antigenotoxicity of Natural Ingredients

“…Such potential cannot be ignored, and further investigation into how to incorporate this ingredient in a cosmetic should occur. Only two studies have been developed since 2012, showing that Elderberry has no mutagenic effect and a high in vitro activity [58]. However, none of them focused on cosmetic ingredients.…”

Evaluation of the Phytochemistry–Therapeutic Activity Relationship for Grape Seeds Oil

“…The following grape extracts can be used in cosmetics: fruit water, fruit extract, fruit powder, leaf water, leaf oil, leaf extract, leaf wax, leaf/seed skin extract, flower extract, seed extract, seed powder, bud extract, root extract, juice, skin powder, skin extract, vine sap, vine extract, juice extract, and shoot extract [ 122 ].…”

“…SPF and photostability are currently enhanced by the natural antioxidant content of sunscreens. Studies have demonstrated the advantages of applying and ingesting polyphenols from several plant species, including Vitis vinifera, to protect against UV radiation [ 122 ]. Table 6 outlines relevant cosmetic varieties containing GSO.…”

Do It Yourself: how can we use Almonds and Almond Shells in cosmetics? Easy body exfoliant and facial mask

“…The most common varieties are "Parada", "Casanova", "Verdeal" and "Pegarinhos" [3]. It is also a region with the most organic farmers, and the climatic, topographic, and pedological differences predispose this region to agricultural diversity [4].…”