Development of a w/o/w-Emulsion Containing N-Acetylcysteine for Cosmetic Use

Abstract

N-Acetylcysteine was known to be used as a mucolytic agent having significant antioxidant activity. It has been reported to be used to alleviate or improve various cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders including changes or damage to skin associated with intrinsic or extrinsic aging recently. However many benefits regarding to its antioxidant effects were reported, its probable potential moisturizing effects have not been stated yet. Since N-acetylcysteine has similar effects as vitamin C, it might be assumed that it could also increase skin hydration by its antioxidant capacity. The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of a topical delivery system as a multiple emulsion containing N-acteylcysteine and compare the moisturizing potential of this formulation with a base multiple emulsion and vitamin E which was chosen as a popular moisturizer.