This study aimed to develop chitosan alginate nanoparticles (CANPs) for enhanced stability for dermal delivery of protein hydrolysate from Acheta domesticus (PH). CANPs, developed using ionotropic pre-gelation followed by the polyelectrolyte complex technique, were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. After the incorporation of PH into CANPs, a comprehensive assessment included encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, morphology, chemical analyses, physical and chemical stability, irritation potential, release profile, skin permeation, and skin retention. The most optimal CANPs, comprising 0.6 mg/mL sodium alginate, 1.8 mg/mL calcium chloride, and 0.1 mg/mL chitosan, exhibited the smallest particle size (309 ± 0 nm), the narrowest PDI (0.39 ± 0.01), and pronounced negative zeta potential (−26.0 ± 0.9 mV), along with an encapsulation efficiency of 56 ± 2%, loading capacity of 2.4 ± 0.1%, release of 40 ± 2% after 48 h, and the highest skin retention of 12 ± 1%. The CANPs induced no irritation and effectively enhanced the stability of PH from 44 ± 5% of PH remaining in a solution to 74 ± 4% after three-month storage. Therefore, the findings revealed the considerable potential of CANPs in improving PH stability and skin delivery, with promising applications in cosmetics and related fields.

This study aimed to develop a film-forming gel containing honey aromatic water (HW) and royal jelly (RJ) for cosmetic applications as a facial peel-off mask. HW, which is industrial waste from the water-reduction process of honey, was sterilized by autoclaving and filtration through a 0.22 µm membrane. The film-forming gels were developed using various types of film-forming polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 117), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). The gel formulations were characterized in terms of their external appearance, viscosity, pH, and drying time, whereas the films generated were characterized by a texture analyzer, microscopic investigation, Fourier transform infrared, and an X-ray diffractometer. The findings highlighted that HW has short storage shelf life due to microbial contamination. Sterilizations were required before further product development. The film-forming gel was created by using the combination of PVA 117, CMC, and HEC. HW and RJ were successfully incorporated into the film-forming gel. However, HW resulted in a decrease in the gel viscosity and mechanical properties of its film. Interestingly, the drying time was dramatically decreased, which would be more desirable for its use as a peel-off mask. Furthermore, incorporation of royal jelly enhanced the viscosity of the gels as well as improved the mechanical properties of the film. No effect on the chemical and crystal structure of the films was detected after the incorporation. Therefore, the film-forming gels containing HW and RJ, possessing aesthetic attributes that extended to both the gels themselves and the resultant films, were suitable for use as a peel-off mask.

This study aimed to characterize and investigate the potential of the oils from Gryllus bimaculatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and Acheta domesticus to be used in nanoemulsions. The oils were extracted by a cold press method and characterized for their fatty acid profiles. Their irritation effects on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) were evaluated, along with investigations of solubility and the required hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (RHLB). Various parameters impacting nanoemulsion generation using high-pressure homogenization were investigated. The findings revealed that G. bimaculatus yielded the highest oil content (24.58% w/w), followed by T. mitratus (20.96% w/w) and A. domesticus (15.46% w/w). Their major fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. All oils showed no irritation, suggesting safety for topical use. The RHLB values of each oil were around six–seven. However, they could be successfully developed into nanoemulsions using various surfactants. All cricket oils could be used for the nanoemulsion preparation, but T. mitratus yielded the smallest internal droplet size with acceptable PDI and zeta potential. Nanoemulsion was found to significantly enhance the antioxidant and anti-skin wrinkle of the T. mitratus oil. These findings pointed to the possible use of cricket oils in nanoemulsions, which could be used in various applications, including topical and cosmetic formulations.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of elicitors on Vanda coerulea Griff. Ex Lindl. protocorms to enhance bioactive compound production and evaluate their biological activities relevant to cosmeceutical applications. The protocorms were developed from the callus treated with different elicitors, including 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and chitosan. Both the adult plant and protocorms were extracted by maceration in 80% methanol and investigated for their chemical compositions using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. In addition, anti-inflammatory properties were assessed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The irritation potency was evaluated using the hen’s egg test-chorioallantoic membrane test. The findings revealed that protocorms treated with BA and chitosan developed a greener color, while those treated with MeJA exhibited a distinct darker coloration. Elicitation with BA and chitosan resulted in protocorms with comparable or higher levels of syringic acid, rutin, and quercin compared with the adult plant, with rutin being the most prominent identified compound. Furthermore, rutin was reported as the compound responsible for all biological activities. The chitosan-treated protocorm extract exhibited potent inhibition against oxidation, collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, and inflammatory cytokines, along with a nonirritating effect, making it a promising candidate for cosmeceutical applications.

This study investigated the potential of pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction in enhancing the antimicrobial properties related to anti-acne and deodorant properties of Hedychium coronarium extract. The dried leaf and rhizome of H. coronarium were extracted using 95% v/v ethanol through both conventional solvent extraction and PEF extraction techniques (10, 14, and 20 kV/cm). The chemical composition of the extracts was analyzed. The antimicrobial activities, specifically in relation to acne treatment against Cutibacterium acnes and deodorant properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, were determined. The irritation profile of was evaluated using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test. The results showed that PEF extraction increased the extract yield, particularly at an electric field strength of 20 kV/cm. Furthermore, PEF extraction significantly enhanced the ellagic acid content, particularly in the leaf extract. Furthermore, the leaf extract demonstrated stronger inhibitory effects against microorganisms associated with body odor and acne compared to the rhizome extract. Notably, all extracts exhibited no signs of irritation, indicating their safety. Overall, the findings suggest that PEF extraction from H. coronarium enhances yield, bioactive compound content, and antimicrobial effects. This indicates the potential of the extract for acne treatment and deodorant use.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) system incorporating a catechin-rich Vanda coerulea extract for topical cosmetic applications and to evaluate its physicochemical properties, release behavior, and skin retention performance. Methods: Blank NLCs were prepared using hot emulsification followed by sonication, with glyceryl monostearate, caprylic triglyceride, Poloxamer^® 188, and Tween^® 80 as the formulation components. NLCs with varying solid-to-liquid lipid ratios were developed while maintaining a constant total lipid content of 5% w/w. The formulations were characterized based on their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and physical stability, including stability after a heating–cooling cycle test. The effect of ultrasonication duration was also evaluated. The optimized NLC was then loaded with a V. coerulea extract and evaluated for in vitro release and skin retention using catechin as a marker. Results: The NLC with a particle size of 235.5 ± 29.8 nm, a narrow PDI range of 0.382 ± 0.090, and a strong zeta potential of −29.8 ± 0.3 mV was selected for the incorporation of the V. coerulea extract. The extract-loaded NLC exhibited a sustained release over 24 h, significantly different from the V. coerulea extract solution (p < 0.05). Skin retention studies revealed that the NLC achieved approximately twice the catechin retention compared to the solution at the 1 h time point (1.30 ± 0.01% vs. 0.68 ± 0.03% w/w). Conclusions: The V. coerulea-extract-loaded NLC demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, sustained release behavior, and enhanced skin retention. These findings support its potential as a promising topical delivery system for antioxidant-rich botanical extracts in cosmetic applications.