The cosmetics industry is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of searching for new ingredients. Recently, there has been a growing interest in products made during fermentation, which are being introduced into cosmetics with increasing frequency, creating a market that emphasizes the positive image of healthy, environmentally friendly components with a positive effect on skin. Scientists mainly focus on examining biological activity as well as the impact on changes in the production of bioactive ingredients in various plant species undergoing fermentation. The studies show that bioferments have scientifically proven anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, among other skin benefits. Due to the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, ecofriendly compounds are being sought. This group includes surfactants, which are also obtained by fermentation. Plant-based and microbial biosurfactants, due to their multifunctional properties, such as detergency, emulsifying, foaming, moisturizing, and antibacterial activity, can replace chemical surfactants in many skincare formulations. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the bioferments and biosurfactants and their potential in the cosmetic industry.

Balneology is one of the oldest fields of medicine related to the use of natural raw materials (medicinal waters, medicinal gases, peloids, climatic values) in the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of many diseases but also increasingly in cosmetology. Currently, balneotherapy (spa therapy) combines tradition and modernity. The interest in spa treatments, the popularity of a healthy lifestyle, as well as the constant search for active substances of a natural origin for cosmetics make peloids, medicinal, and mineral waters very popular in the cosmetics industry. The main aim of this review was to present current, scientifically proven knowledge about the potential use of peat, huic substances, and sulfurous water in cosmetology. The work describes the potential possibilities of using medicinal waters, especially sulfurous waters, as well as peats and humic compounds, which are the source of active substances with biological activity e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and possess a positive effect on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or acne. The therapeutic effects of these substances have been well documented in the literature; however, the validity of their use in cosmetology requires further confirmation.

The aim of this review is to analyze natural substances exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activity against skin pathogens, along with their exemplary applications in cosmetic products. Growing concerns related to increasing infection rates and pathogen resistance have prompted the search for alternative therapeutic methods. This article discusses various natural products, derived from plants, animals, and minerals, with antimicrobial potential. Special attention is given to the antimicrobial efficacy of natural substances derived from Allium L., Salvia L., Lavandula L., Origanum L., Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe vera, Black Cumin, and Trigonella L. in improving treatment outcomes, either alone or in combination with conventional medications. In addition, the presented natural products, such as propolis, honey, cosmetic mud, and clays, can serve as viable alternatives or complementary treatments for mild skin infections and may help prevent recurrence. The promising potential of these natural products encourages further research into discovering new antimicrobial agents. However, the lack of standardization of natural preparations can result in inconsistent therapeutic effects and unforeseen side effects. This review significantly contributes to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries by emphasizing the potential of natural products and highlighting the need for further research and regulatory measures to ensure their safe and effective integration with existing therapies.

Lotus germanicus (syn. Dorycnium germanicum; Fabaceae) is a rare and regionally threatened European species that remains poorly investigated phytochemically and biologically. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of its phytochemical profile and biological activity and, to our knowledge, the first evaluation of in vitro cultures within the genus Lotus (formerly classified under Dorycnium). Extracts from leaf, herb, and microshoot cultures were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and biological assays. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, sterol-related compounds, and triterpenoids were identified. Isoquercitrin was the predominant flavonoid (5860.00 mg/100 g DW), while hydrocaffeic acid was the major phenolic acid (575.53 mg/100 g DW). In microshoot cultures, β-sitosterol and ursolic acid reached 152.94 and 146.30 mg/100 g DW, respectively. Parent-plant extracts contained higher total phenolic and flavonoid levels and generally showed stronger antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-elastase activities. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity and selective antibacterial activity, mainly against Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL for susceptible strains. Despite lower metabolite levels, microshoot cultures retained measurable biological activity. These findings suggest that L. germanicus may represent a potential source of bioactive compounds for further investigation in cosmetic and dermatological applications and highlight the potential of Lotus sect. Dorycnium in vitro cultures as an alternative source of plant-derived metabolites. However, further studies using skin-relevant biological models and formulated cosmetic products are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these extracts before their practical application.