Use of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill extracts from Brazilian Caatinga as an alternative of natural moisturizer in cosmetic formulations

Abstract

The aim of this work was the obtainment of Opuntia fícus-indica (L.) Mill extract for the development of cosmetic formulations and in vivo evaluation of its moisturizing effects. The formulations were tested for preliminary and accelerated stability. Organoleptic characteristics, pH values and rheological behavior were assessed. The evaluation of moisturizing efficacy of the emulsions formulated with 3.0% of Polyacrylamide (and) C13-14 Isoparaffin (and) Laureth-7 containing 1.0 and 3.0% of O. ficus-indica hydroglycolic extract (EHG001) was performed using the capacitance method (Corneometer®) and the transepidermal water loss -TEWL evaluation (Tewameter®). The emulsions formulated were stable, exhibiting pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior. The results of evaluation of moisturizing efficacy showed increased skin hydration after five hours by mainly increasing the skin barrier effect. The formulations containing 1.0 and 3.0% of EHG001 enhanced the skin barrier effect by reducing TEWL up to four hours after application. The results observed suggest that O. ficus-indica hydroglycolic extract may act through a humectant and occlusion mechanism.Uniterms Opuntia fícus indica/emulsion stability. Opuntia fícus indica/cosmetic efficacy. Skin/cosmetics/ use/efficacy

Potential of Natural Based-Skincare Cosmetic Ingredients for Naturally Glowing Skin

“…When the water content is sufficient, the skin barrier function, flexibility, and healthy appearance are maintained 39 . In the study about in vivo skin moisture efficacy conducted by Damasceno et al 38 , the group treated with an emulsion formula containing opuntia cladodes extract revealed an increased skin hydration value after 5 hours of application. In addition, the skin hydration value of opuntia cladodes extract emulsion was higher than the untreated and vehicle groups, which were 40.25%, 39.07%, and 37.53%, respectively.…”

Morphological Characterization of Opuntia Accessions from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) Using UPOV Descriptors

“…The fruits can be consumed fresh, dehydrated, or in marmalades, while the nopal is consumed in Mexican regions, for example, as a constituent of salads [19]. Moreover, there is growing interest in nonfood uses, especially in medical applications [20][21][22], in the cosmetic industry [23][24][25][26], in the production of carminic acid, which is used as a natural colorant [19], and in the area of agro-energy, which is used as a substrate in anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas and methane [27].…”