Skin science: Top five stories on cosmetics science and formulation

Coriander oil displays anti-ageing skin care benefits – new​ rese​arch​​

Coriander oil has the potential to become an effective and natural anti-ageing ingredient, claim researchers, who found it displays significant anti-wrinkle potential.

A recent study found that the oil displayed high levels of collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities.

Researchers decided to assess the anti-ageing benefits of several apiaceous oils after noting growing demand for more natural, cheaper and efficacious anti-ageing products.

They conducted an in-vivo evaluation of the effect of coriander oil dosage forms against UV radiation-induced wrinkles, which also exhibited promising activities.

Sandalwood’s blue light findings aid Quintis’ European expansion drive​​

A clinical trial commissioned by Quintis has confirmed in vitro findings that sandalwood oil is more protective than vitamin E against blue light damage, giving the Australian sandalwood supplier more leverage for growing its business in Europe.

The study found that sandalwood oil, at a concentration of between 1% and 10%, protects the skin against the oxidative stress induced by urban dust and blue light exposure.

Looking ahead to the future, Quintis hopes to conduct larger cohort studies to evaluate the benefits of cosmetic products containing sandalwood against environmental stressors, in real-life exposure.

Lion Corp survey finds gap between awareness and practice of handwashing​​

A new survey conducted by Japanese personal care company Lion Corporation has revealed ‘blind spots’ in handwashing behaviour.

The consumer goods company conducted a survey through an online questionnaire on hand hygiene habits, which involved 600 Japanese men and women aged 18 to 69.

It found that after over two years of living with the COVID-19 virus, more than 60% of respondents had established a habit of frequent hand washing and now see it as an important habit that can counter against infectious diseases.

Mix of peppers and turmeric as effective as minoxidil in treating hair loss – study​

A team based in China has found that a concoction of capsaicin, piperine, and curcumin compounds was as effective as minoxidil in treating alopecia areata.

Previous studies had explored the efficacy of capsaicin, piperine, and curcumin as alternative hair loss treatments individually. This study explored how a combination of the three could benefit alopecia areata.

This led the researchers to concluded that that “the curative effect of the mixed preparation in the treatment of alopecia areata was similar to that of minoxidil.”​

Retinol relief: New study highlights how skin irritation could be relieved​

A new study has highlighted how formulators could produce anti-ageing products without the trouble of skin irritation caused by retinol.

A study​ by Korean firm LG Household and Health (LG H&H) has identified 30 genetic markers related to the susceptibility of individuals to retinol-induced irritation, specifically among Korean users.

Retinol is one of the stronger cosmetic ingredients that promote anti-ageing. However, it exhibits a range of irritation in users, such as scaling, burning and itching.