Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations

Abstract

Echinacea purpurea contains many beneficial constituents for protection of skin from oxidative stress and for improving hydration of skin. This study aimed to investigate the stability and dermatological efficacy of E. purpurea cream and gel. Echinacea purpurea extract was incorporated into suitable cream and gel bases. Stability of the extract in the formulations was investigated by determining its residual total phenolic content and antioxidant activity after storage at 4°C, 30°C and 40°C for 6 months. The effect of those formulations on skin irritation, hydration level and wrinkle reduction was evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers, aged 25-40 years. The shelf lives of E. purpurea cream and gel in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were only 2 and 4 months respectively at 4°C and could be extended up to 7 months by incorporation of α-tocopherol or disodium editate. The corneometer hydration indices increased up to 10.6 AU and 11.4 AU, and the wrinkles decreased 9.47% and 14.92% because of the application of E. purpurea cream and gel for 1 month. Both formulations showed no irritation to skin. Echinacea purpurea cream and gel developed in this study were effective in improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkle, but showed low storage stability.

Echinacea purpurea -derived alkylamides exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects and alleviate clinical symptoms of atopic eczema

“…Increased ceramide EOS levels in the skin barrier have important implications for ameliorating symptoms of AE as well as for preserving skin barrier integrity. In another study assessing the effects of an E. purpurea extract-based cream and gel at 1 month, corneometer hydration indices increased by 10.6 AU and 11.4 AU, respectively, and wrinkles were found to decrease by 9.47% and 14.92%, respectively [34]. These results indicate that long-lasting beneficial effects of Ec.…”

Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

“…The average score from the two dermatologists was used. For instrumental analysis of skin-replica images, replicas made with a silicone-based solution and a catalyst (Courage and Khazaka) were taken from the designated crow’s-feet area and analyzed with a Visiometer (SkinVisiometer SV 600, Courage and Khazaka) that evaluates the topography of the skin surface by light transmission of a very thin silicone replica based on skin-wrinkling parameters: R1 (skin roughness), R2 (maximum roughness), R3 (average roughness), R4 (smoothness depth), and R5 (arithmetic average roughness) [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Vegetable moisturizing raw material from “Caatinga” Brazilian biome: safety and efficacy evaluations of O/W cosmetic emulsions containing Kalanchoe brasiliensis extract

“…Our formulations were able to maintain the water loss at under 10 g/mm 2 ·h in all the volunteers, which indicates very healthy skin as observed by Courage-Khazaka, and collaborated in the maintenance of skin health. Other studies attributed the decrease in TEWL and skin protection barrier to polysaccharides and flavonoids present in the plant extract (Faria, Damasceno, Ferrari, 2011;Yotsawimonwat et al, 2010).…”