In order to enhance the value and stability of vegetable oils, they may be enriched with essential oils and plant extracts with strong antioxidant activity, yielding innovative formulations with potential applications in skincare. The present research aims to investigate the bioactive properties of an Usnea barbata extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 5% Peppermint oil (PEO), and 10% vitamin E (PJO). The oil extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. The UBPJO antioxidant activity was investigated using ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-based methods. The sunscreen capacity of UBPJO was evaluated by measuring their sun protection factor (SPF) values. The antimicrobial potential was investigated against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The antioxidant activity of UBPJO was 1.5 times higher than that of PJO. Consequently, the sunscreen efficacy (assessed by SPF measurements) indicated satisfactory UVB protection abilities against S. aureus (UBPJO vs. PJO: 32.41 vs. 30.58). UBPJO exhibited significantly greater inhibitory effects compared to PJO against S. aureus (MIC = 18.75 ± 6.25 vs. 37.50 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). and C. albicans (9.62 ± 2.87 vs. 37.5 ± 12.5, p < 0.05). The bioactive properties investigated in the present study support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skin protective formulations with antiaging, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.

Green cosmetics are primarily based on plant-derived ingredients and use sustainable biotechnological tools for their preparation. The present research aimed to investigate the Usnea barbata (U. barbata) extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 5% Peppermint oil (PEO) and 10% Vitamin E, as a potential natural product for skin applications. The U. barbata oil extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Folin–Ciocalteu method, and Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties. Then, rheological characteristics and oxidation stability (measured as the time to reach the oxidation starting point, induction period (IP)) of both oil samples (UBPJO and oil mixture alone (PJO) were investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC) in UBPJO was 2.5 times higher than in PJO (p < 0.05), while heavy metal levels (As and Pb) were slightly higher (p > 0.05). UBPJO has higher shear stress, viscosity, and spreadability than PJO, but the differences are not significant (p > 0.05). Finally, IP measurements indicated appreciable oxidative stability (UBPJO vs. PJO: 153.02 h vs. 137.35 h, p > 0.05). The phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skincare formulations.

Green cosmetics are mainly based on plant-derived ingredients, using sustainable bio-technological tools for their preparation. The present research aimed to investigate the Usnea barbata extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 10% Vitamin E and 5% Pepper-mint oil (PEO), as a potential natural product for skin applications. Materials and Methods: The U. barbata extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Folin Ciocalteu method, and Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectro-photometry. The physicochemical properties were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Then, rheological characteristics and oxidation stability (measuring the time required to reach the oxidation starting point, IP) of both oil samples (PJO and UBPJO), were investigated. Results: Total phenolic content in UBPJO was 2.5 times higher than in PJO (p < 0.05), while heavy metal levels (As and Pb) were slightly higher (p > 0.05). UBPJO has higher shear stress, viscosity, and spreadability than PJO, but without significant differences (p > 0.05). Finally, IP measurements indicated appreciable oxidative stability (UBPJO vs. PJO: 153.02 h vs 137.35 h, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skin-protective formulations.

In order to enhance the value and stability of vegetable oils, they may be enriched with essential oils and plant extracts with strong antioxidant activity, yielding innovative formulations with potential applications in skincare. The present research aims to investigate the bioactive properties of an Usnea barbata extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 5% Peppermint oil (PEO), and 10% vitamin E (PJO). The oil extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. The UBPJO antioxidant activity was investigated using 2 methods (DPPH and ABTS). The sunscreen capacity of UBPJO was evaluated by measuring their sun protection factor (SPF) values. The antimicrobial potential was investigated against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The antioxidant activity of UBPJO was 1.5 times higher than PJO. Consequently, the sunscreen efficacy (assessed by SPF measurements) indicated satisfactory UVB protection abilities against S. aureus (UBPJO vs. PJO: 32.41 vs. 30.58). UBPJO exhibited significantly greater inhibitory effects compared to PJO against S. aureus (MIC = 18.75 ± 6.25 vs. 37.50 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). and C. albicans (9.62 ± 2,87 vs. 37.5 ± 12.5, p < 0.05). The bioactive properties investigated in the present study support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skin protective formulations with antiaging, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.

(1) The growing interest in the use of natural and sustainable ingredients highlights the investigation of vegetable oils in dermato-cosmetic applications. In this context, the vegetable oil obtained from walnut (Juglans regia L.) is of actual interest due to its composition rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to investigate and characterize walnut oil from a physicochemical, structural, and rheological point of view. (2) The oil was obtained by a cold pressing process from walnut seeds, with a yield of about 51.03 ± 1.41%, and subsequently analyzed by complementary methods. (3) The results show an acceptable physicochemical profile, characterized by appropriate values of density, pH, and spreadability. The oxidative stability indicated a moderate resistance to degradation, specific to oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fourier infrared transform spectrometry (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of triglycerides, without indications of advanced oxidation, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations revealed a heterogeneous morphology. The rheological properties indicated a pseudoplastic behavior, favorable for topical application. The determination of heavy metals confirmed the safety of the raw material for the intended dermato-cosmetic use. While arsenic levels were slightly above the strict Codex Alimentarius limits for foodstuffs, all values remained within the safety ranges established for cosmetic ingredients. A total of six fatty acids were found in cold-pressed walnut oil, determined using GC-MS methods. The number of compounds identified in the silylated sample was found to be 17. The antioxidant activity determined using DPPH and ABTS methods was generally considered good and relatively stable over time. The measured sun protection value (SPF) demonstrates a favorable capacity to act as a photoprotective ingredient against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. (4) Overall, the results demonstrate that walnut oil presents adequate physicochemical and structural properties, supporting its further use as a potential cosmetic raw material.

Plant extracts in vegetable oils are foundational and eco-responsible for skin care, act-ing as potent antimicrobials, antioxidants, photoprotectants, and emollients. The pre-sent research aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation of Usnea barbata extract in Karanja oil (KO). The lichen extract (UBKO) was obtained through cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Physicochemical properties were evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The rheological characteristics and oxidative resistance of both oil samples, with and without U. barbata (UBKO and KO), were investigated. The bioactive potential of UBKO was assessed by evaluating antioxidant properties, sunscreen efficacy, and antibacterial and antifungal activity. UBKO had a slightly lower density (0.827 vs. 0.955) and pH (4.22 vs. 4.86) than KO, and a slightly higher oxidative resistance, quantified as the induction period (IP) value (6.45 vs. 6.00). The total phenolic content was significantly greater in UBKO than in KO (567.16 ± 14.96 vs. 433.26 ± 22.96 mg GAE/mL, p < 0.05). The antibacterial effect against S. aureus was higher for UBKO than KO (25 ± 0.00 vs. 31.25 ± 18.75 mg/mL, p < 0.05), while the in-hibitory activity of UBKO against C. albicans was considerably higher than that of KO (6.75 ± 0.00 vs. 37.50 ± 12.50 mg/mL, p < 0.05). Finally, our results showed that UBKO had an appreciable sun-protective factor (SPF) slightly higher than KO (30.9 vs. 29.8). Therefore, our study suggests that U. barbata extract in Karanja oil could be used to develop pharmaceutical formulations with antimicrobial and photoprotective effects, with potential applications for skincare.