The essential oil extracted from the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum (CIA) has excellent biological properties; however, the stems and
leaves of CIA often get wasted. Maximizing the use of these wastes
will help solve the sustainability issues of CIA resources. The present
study analyzed the chemical compositions of CIA flower essential oil
(CO) and stem and leaf extract (CE) by gas chromatography–mass
spectrometry (GC–MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass
spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Then, the phytochemical properties, stability,
antioxidant capacity, and cell (human L929) toxicity of CO and CE
were further evaluated. Finally, oil-in-water microemulsion (ME) and
hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems composed of CO and CE were developed
to deliver bioactive ingredients effectively. The analysis identified
64 and 31 compounds in CO and CE, respectively, and indicated them
as readily available sources of natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids
and phenols. In addition, the formulation of the ME system (CIA-ME)
improved CO stability and increased CE loading; these optimal formulations
(ME, CIA-ME, CIA-ME gel) exhibited good stability, rheological properties,
and sustained release properties without causing cell toxicity and
skin irritation. The CIA-ME significantly inhibited intracellular
tyrosinase activity and decreased intracellular melanin production
in a dose-dependent manner. It also demonstrated skin photoprotection
and inhibited tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase activities. Overall,
CIA as a plant raw material can serve as a promising topical cosmetic
or medicine prototype. Applying CO and CE in combination provides
a basis for the sustainable utilization of CIA resources.