Production and Characterization of Cosmetic Nanoemulsions Containing Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill Extract as Moisturizing Agent

• Main Authors: Renato Cesar de Azevedo Ribeiro, Stella Maria Andrade Gomes Barreto, Elissa Arantes Ostrosky, Pedro Alves da Rocha-Filho, Lourena Mafra Veríssimo, Márcio Ferrari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-02-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: nanoemulsions; Opuntia ficus-indica; non-invasive methods; emulsions; formulation/stability; skin barrier
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/20/2/2492

This study aimed to produce and characterize an oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion containing Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill hydroglycolic extract, as well as evaluate its preliminary and accelerated thermal stability and moisturizing efficacy. The formulations containing 0.5% of xanthan gum (FX) and 0.5% of xanthan gum and 1% of Opuntia ficus-indica Mill extract (FXE) were white, homogeneous and fluid in aspect. Both formulations were stable during preliminary and accelerated stability tests. FX and FXE presented a pH compatible to skin pH (4.5–6.0); droplet size varying from 92.2 to 233.6 nm; a polydispersion index (PDI) around 0.200 and a zeta potential from −26.71 to −47.01 mV. FXE was able to increase the water content of the stratum corneum for 5 h after application on the forearm. The O/W nanoemulsions containing 1% of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill extract presented suitable stability for at least for 60 days. Besides, this formulation was able to increase the water content of stratum corneum, showing its moisturizing efficacy.