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Methods for evaluation of cosmetic antioxidant capacity
Anna Ratz-Lyko1, Jacek Arct, Katarzyna Pytkowska
1Academy of Cosmetics and Health Care, Department of Cosmetics Chemistry, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
The skin as the largest part of human body is one of the main targets for ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, toxic chemicals and some metal ions, which share responsibility for the formation of free radicals. The resulting free radicals, both oxygen and nitrogen species are one of the main causes of aging due to impaired regulation of cell respiratory metabolism involving incomplete oxygen reduction in mitochondria and production a superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals et al. In modern cosmetology to minimize the adverse effects of free radicals, antioxidants, which inhibit free radical reactions, mainly autoxidation processes are used. Currently, not only many cosmetic products containing antioxidants are available, but a large diversity of methods for determination of cosmetics antioxidant activity is also accessible. These methods can be divided into three main groups: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo as reported herein. Due to lack of standardization and validation it is necessary to use a variety of methods as well as conditions for those purposes, which are presented to the context.
Insights
Free radicals from environmental factors accelerate skin aging. Antioxidants combat these effects, and various methods exist to measure their activity in cosmetic products.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Cosmetology
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The skin is susceptible to damage from UV radiation, pollution, and chemicals, leading to free radical formation.
- Free radicals, including oxygen and nitrogen species, contribute significantly to skin aging by disrupting cellular metabolism.
- Antioxidants are crucial in cosmetology to mitigate free radical damage by inhibiting autoxidation processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize methods for determining antioxidant activity in cosmetic products.
- To highlight the importance of antioxidants in combating skin aging caused by free radicals.
Main Methods:
- The study categorizes existing methods for assessing antioxidant activity into three main groups: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo.
- Discussion of the necessity for diverse methodologies due to a lack of standardization and validation.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive overview of methods used to determine antioxidant activity in cosmetic formulations is presented.
- The study emphasizes the role of antioxidants in cosmetic science for anti-aging benefits.
Conclusions:
- Diverse methods are required for accurate assessment of cosmetic antioxidant activity due to current standardization limitations.
- Understanding and measuring antioxidant capacity is vital for developing effective anti-aging cosmetic products.
