Evaluation of a biosurfactant extract obtained from corn for dermal application

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Science
• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly ingredients in dermal formulations.
• Biosurfactants offer a greener alternative to synthetic surfactants due to their origin from living cells.
• Need for multifunctional ingredients that can stabilize formulations and enhance active ingredient delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of a biosurfactant extract (BS) derived from corn wet-milling for use in dermal formulations.
• To evaluate the surface-active, co-stabilizing, antioxidant, and skin-protective properties of the corn-derived BS.
• To assess the impact of the BS on the dermal penetration of lipophilic active ingredients.

Main Methods:

• Extraction and characterization of biosurfactant from corn wet-milling industry byproducts.
• Evaluation of surface-active properties and co-stabilizing capacity in nanoemulsions and nanocrystals.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity and skin protective effects.
• Measurement of dermal penetration enhancement for lipophilic actives.

Main Results:

• The corn-derived biosurfactant extract (BS) demonstrated significant surface-active properties.
• BS proved to be an effective co-stabilizer for nanoemulsions and nanocrystals intended for dermal application.
• The biosurfactant exhibited notable antioxidant and skin protective properties.
• BS application led to increased dermal penetration efficacy for lipophilic active ingredients.

Conclusions:

• Biosurfactant derived from corn industry waste is a viable, sustainable ingredient for dermal formulations.
• This biosurfactant functions as a multifunctional ingredient, offering co-stabilization, antioxidant, and skin protection.
• The biosurfactant enhances the delivery of lipophilic actives, presenting a promising strategy for advanced skincare product development.