Hydrophilic phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, their application is hindered by low membrane permeability, poor chemical stability, and limited skin penetration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advanced delivery strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of selected hydrophilic compounds. Specifically, it focuses on the encapsulation of flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, as well as phenolic acids including ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. The review discusses various nanocarrier systems: liposomes, niosomes, exosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., nanocapsules, nanospheres) and compares their structural characteristics, preparation methods, and functional benefits. These delivery systems improve the physicochemical stability of active compounds, enable controlled and targeted release, and enhance skin and cellular absorption. Despite certain challenges related to large-scale production and regulatory constraints, such approaches offer promising solutions for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic application of hydrophilic plant-derived compounds.

In this work, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of the ethanolic extracts obtained from Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) leaves and roots (growing in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland) were compared. The phytochemical composition of the extracts were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) method. The dominant compounds in both extracts were verbacoside, isoverbacoside, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and rosmarinic acid. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2’-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) tests. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the total polyphenolic content. Additionally, enzyme (tyrosinase, collagenase) inhibition tests and metal chelating ability were studied to assess the anti-aging properties of the extracts. Moreover, the A. reptans extracts’ capacity to absorb the whole range of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible (HEV) light was evaluated. The skin irritation test (SIT) EpiDerm was applied to evaluate the safety of the bugle extracts. The noteworthy point is that there is a lack of literature on the assessment of A. reptans root extract activity. Our study is the only one that compares the quantitative composition and biological activity of extracts from the root and leaves of A. reptans. The obtained results indicated that both of the extracts exhibit high antioxidant, chelating and photoprotective activity, but the extract from A. reptans roots showed a higher enzyme inhibition effect for mature skin. The A. reptans root extract, similarly to the leaf extract, could be applied as potentially multi-functional, safe and sensitive cosmetic raw materials, especially in anti-aging and anti-pollution cosmetics.

In the study, the possibility of an application of Ajuga reptans leaf and root extracts in antipollution cosmetics was investigated. The influence of Ajuga extracts on the skin condition was also evaluated. Both leaf and root Ajuga ethanolic extracts were obtained and added to the developed cosmetic formulations. Two types of emulsion W/O and O/W, washing gels and eye serum, containing as an active substance Ajuga extracts were prepared. For the stable formulations physicochemical and user properties were studied. The obtained results show that cosmetic products, containing the Ajuga reptans extracts, positively affect the skin condition: causing an improvement in the degree of skin hydration and elasticity, reducing the skin pores size and skin hyperpigmentation, and reducing the wrinkles depth.

Surowce roślinne stanowią bogate źródło związków aktywnych, m.in.: saponin, śluzów, garbników, polifenoli czy olejków eterycznych, które wykazują szerokie spektrum aktywności biologicznej. Szałwia jest surowcem znanym i cenionym od lat. Zarówno ekstrakty z szałwii lekarskiej (Salvia officinalis), jak również z szałwii zielonej (Salvia viridis) znajdują zastosowanie w preparatach kosmetycznych jako źródło substancji biologicznie czynnych. Dzięki zawartości związków z grup polifenoli, terpenów, glikozydów fenolowych, polisacharydów, fitosteroli wykazują działanie przeciwzapalne, przeciwutleniające i przeciwbakteryjne. W artykule przedstawiono nie tylko skład fitochemiczny i aktywność kosmetyczną ekstraktów z szałwii, ale zwrócono szczególną uwagę na nowoczesne metody ich pozyskiwania oraz zastosowanie w preparatach kosmetycznych.