Centella asiatica ‘bubbles’, key proteins boost hair growth in 56-day study
A liquid formula combining natural parts from the Centella asiatica plant with growth-boosting proteins can greatly improve hair health in under two months when applied to the scalp.
This was the key finding from a clinical study conducted by researchers at Hungkuang University, Chinese Medical University, Kyoto University, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University.
The study, which involved 60 participants, found that the combined formula resulted in thicker, denser, and longer hair. It also led to less hair loss and lower oil levels on the scalp, compared to a placebo.
Cashew apple extract emerges as potent active for anti-ageing, wound care: Thai study
Researchers in Thailand have found that an extract from cashew apple, a typically discarded part of the plant, could be a powerful new ingredient for anti-ageing skin care and wound healing.
The effect was especially strong when the extract was placed inside tiny, protective spheres called liposomes. This helped keep its key nutrients, including vitamin C, stable, and boost its ability to be absorbed into the skin.
When delivered in liposomes, the absorption of vitamin C into the skin roughly doubled, and the vitamin degraded much more slowly under challenging storage conditions.
Electrokinetic study in Singapore ranks BTMC best hair conditioner surfactant
A new electrokinetic study compared how four workhorse cationic surfactants deposit on healthy and damaged hair, and confirmed behentrimonium chloride (BTMC) as the strongest performer on both absorption and combability.
Conducted by researchers at A*STAR Skin Research Labs in Singapore, the study used streaming potential and zeta-potential measurements to track in real time how conditioner actives moved onto and off the hair surface.
They stated that this gave formulators a more quantitative way to tune deposition, rinsability, and in-use performance.
Indian review highlights rise of plant-based cosmetic actives but flags safety, data gaps
A new scientific review has mapped how plant-based ingredients are reshaping cosmetic science, and where evidence and safety still fall short.
The review linked the surge of interest in plant-based actives to three drivers: distrust of certain synthetic chemicals, demand for sustainability, and the growth of cosmeceuticals.
While the researchers positioned botanicals as strategic tools in global beauty, they warned that the category would only mature if industry closed gaps in clinical data, standardisation, and regulatory alignment.
Astragalus-centella blend shows dual cosmetic, supplement potential: Taiwan study
A new study from Taiwan has reported that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) improved multiple markers of skin health when used both as a topical cream and as an oral supplement.
Researchers at Kaohsiung Medical University and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science found the strongest effects when the two routes were combined.
The results positioned ACS as a candidate for cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics targeting brightness, texture, hydration, and collagen support in healthy adults.
