Development and Characterization of Honey- and Essential Oil-Based Structured Systems for Skin Applications

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Cosmetology
• Materials Science
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Development of novel topical formulations for skin health is an ongoing area of research.
• Honey and essential oils possess known beneficial properties for skin.
• Structured emulsions offer enhanced delivery and stability for active ingredients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel honey- and essential oil-based structured emulsions for topical skin application.
• To evaluate the physicochemical, rheological, and in vivo skin effects of these formulations.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of oil-in-water structured emulsions incorporating specific honey, essential, and vegetable oils.
• Physicochemical and rheological analyses to determine system properties.
• In vivo skin assessments using non-invasive instrumental methods over four weeks.

Main Results:

• Formulations exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic, shear-thinning, and thixotropic behavior, indicating suitability for topical use.
• Significant improvements observed in skin hydration, elasticity, firmness, and barrier function.
• Reductions in transepidermal water loss and erythema, with enhanced skin uniformity and reduced wrinkle appearance.

Conclusions:

• Honey-based topical systems with essential and vegetable oils are promising multifunctional semisolid formulations.
• These formulations demonstrate beneficial effects on skin hydration, barrier function, and skin surface properties.
• Potential applications include skin conditioning, barrier support, and anti-aging formulations.