Skin science: Top five stories on cosmetics science and formulation

Environmentally friendly techniques could boost quality of rubber seed extracts for optimal skin health benefits​

Environmentally friendly extraction techniques could improve the quality of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and squalene in rubber seed oil, enhancing their antioxidant, anti-ageing, and skin repair qualities in cosmetic formulations.

Hevea brasiliensis​, commonly known as rubber seed trees, serves as the primary natural latex source. In 2023, the global harvested area of rubber seed trees exceeds an impressive 12.9 million tons.

Despite the substantial yield and the fact that rubber seeds are rich in bioactive compounds and various phytochemicals renowned for their antioxidant properties, they are often treated as byproducts.

Messenger cells from human umbilical emerge as potential ingredient for anti-ageing cosmetics​

Taiwan researchers have found that extracellular vesicles released from umbilical cord stem cells (UCMSC-EVs) display anti-inflammatory activity and induce antioxidant defence systems, suggesting their effectiveness in wound healing and against skin ageing.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny, membrane-enclosed structures facilitating the transport of diverse molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, between cells.

Previous studies demonstrated that UCMSC-EVs can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory proteins and management of allergic disorders.

Rhoto reveals modified hyaluronic acid’s capability in restoring skin barrier function under dry conditions​

Alkylated hyaluronic acid, a modified form of hyaluronic acid is effective in restoring normal skin formation when its barrier function is compromised by dryness, highlighting its role in skin protection, according to Japanese researchers.
In a collaborative research initiative, Rohto Pharmaceutical teams up with Saga University to examine the impact of hyaluronic acid on percutaneous absorption.

The study involved the cultivation of a three-dimensional skin model for 14 days under varying conditions: normal conditions with a relative humidity of 95% or higher and dry conditions with a humidity of less than 60%.

Cannabinoids must be further explored for therapeutic skin, hair health impact: South Korean study​

Cannabinoids could have significant potential in dermatological therapy for numerous skin and hair disorders, say researchers in South Korea.
The emerging role of cannabinoids as a novel therapeutic approach to various illnesses and conditions, especially in dermatology, is a key area of interest for researchers.

In recent breakthroughs, the therapeutic application of cannabinoids has garnered significant attention for their ability to interact with the human endocannabinoid system within the skin.

Pola Orbis new sunscreen tech harnesses sunlight to boost collagen and skin clarity​

Pola Orbis claims to have successfully developed sunscreen technology that utilises the beneficial effects of red and blue light, which it says can lead to firmer and more beautiful skin.
In December 2023, the Japanese cosmetics firm announced that it had researched the effects of red light on dermal fibroblasts.

It found that exposure to red light can boost the production of collagen, leading to firmer skin.