Production and Characterization of a Pullulan-Based Facial Mask Incorporating Grape Seed Flour Extract for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cosmeceutical Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Cosmeceuticals increasingly seek natural, sustainable ingredients for multifunctional benefits.
• Grape seed extract is a rich source of polyphenols with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
• Pullulan, a biopolymer, offers film-forming capabilities suitable for topical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an eco-friendly facial mask using pullulan and grape seed flour extract.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and antimicrobial properties of the grape seed extract and the final product.
• To assess the physical and barrier properties of the pullulan-based films incorporating the extract.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of grape seed extract for phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay), enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase, elastase), and antimicrobial activity.
• Incorporation of grape seed extract into pullulan films and characterization of physical properties (thickness, transparency, barrier properties).
• Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the developed bioactive films against *Staphylococcus aureus* (including MRSA).

Main Results:

• Grape seed extract exhibited high phenolic content, strong antioxidant activity, significant tyrosinase and elastase inhibition, and antimicrobial effects against *S. aureus*.
• Pullulan films with extract showed enhanced barrier properties, maintained transparency, and possessed potent antioxidant and selective antibacterial activity.
• A flexible, soluble facial mask prototype was successfully created, demonstrating potential for topical cosmeceutical use.

Conclusions:

• The developed pullulan-grape seed extract films offer multifunctional cosmeceutical potential.
• This formulation combines antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects.
• It represents a sustainable valorization of wine industry by-products for the cosmetics sector.