Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as a Novel Bio-Based Matrix for Ready-to-Use Natural Antioxidants-Enriched Ingredients: Extraction and Formulation Optimization

Abstract

The escalating consumer demand for sustainable cosmetic ingredients poses distinct challenges, particularly concerning their stability within the final formulation. Although natural resources offer a pool of antioxidant molecules with diverse structures and polarities, achieving stabilization combined with a comprehensive antioxidant profile often proves incompatible with practical preformulation considerations. Notably, Calendula, which is rich in both polar (glycosylated flavonoids) and nonpolar (carotenoids) antioxidants, is a standout candidate. Nevertheless, the market lacks an ingredient embodying this diversity, primarily due to the limited polarity range of available usable solvents. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) emerge as a promising solution. This study explores NaDES technology with the goal of developing a unique Calendula extract enriched in both polarities of antioxidants, a composition that is unattainable with traditional solvents. A screening of 12 NaDESs with varying polarities highlighted a NaDES based on betaine and glycerol as particularly effective, outperforming ethanol. Leveraging response surface methodology, an optimal mechanical stirring procedure for extraction was identified. The resulting extract showed a total flavonoid content of 45.42 ± 0.85 mg eq rutin/g of biomass and a total carotenoid content of 383.54 ± 4.73 µg/g biomass. It was then incorporated into a sustainable cream (1% and 10%wt) using an innovative mixing technology. The resulting creams demonstrated stability over 90 days, with no significant deviations in pH or rheological properties compared to the control, and a droplet size that was inferior to 10 µm. This study lays the foundation for pioneering natural antioxidant cocktail-loaded ingredients that are suitable for eco-friendly cosmetic formulations, substantiating the viability of integrating environmentally friendly ingredient-based solvents.

Development of a Ready-to-Use Oxyresveratrol-Enriched Extract from Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. Using Greener Solvents and Deep Eutectic Solvents for a Whitening Agent

“…In response to this issue, "ready-to-use extracts" in liquid form have been developed to overcome the limitations of conventional extracts, which are typically diluted in solvents such as propylene glycol and ethanol, resulting in reduced bioactivity and efficacy. DESs have emerged as a promising solvent with an environmentally friendly, high extraction yield of bioactive compounds and the ability to produce liquid extracts [27,60,69]. In addition, DESs are also useful for industrial applications due to their simplicity in preparation, low volatility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and affordability [70,71].…”

“…DESs have been proven to have a wide range of applications, including synthesis, extraction, biocatalysis, nanomaterials, biotechnology, electrochemistry, food, cosmetics, drugs, and biofuel [23]. As a result, DESs have been successfully applied for the extraction of natural products and to enhance bioactive content, especially flavonoids and phenolic compounds [24][25][26][27][28]. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been employed with DESs for higher bioactive yields [26][27][28][29].…”

“…As a result, DESs have been successfully applied for the extraction of natural products and to enhance bioactive content, especially flavonoids and phenolic compounds [24][25][26][27][28]. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been employed with DESs for higher bioactive yields [26][27][28][29]. The advantages of DESs include the replacement of harsh solvents, as they are less volatile, more stable, more easily biodegradable, and more environmentally friendly than harsh organic solvents [22].…”

Innovative Alkanediol-Based Eutectic Solvents for Extracting/Pre-Formulating Dermatologically Valuable Free Fatty Acids from Spirulina and <em>Porphyridium </em>Cakes

“…Recently, our group explored an innovative mechanical extraction, the Dual Asymmetric Centrifugation (DAC), to enhance flavonoids and carotenoids extraction from marigold with NaDES [35]. This new process allowed to work at room temperature with higher extraction recovery thanks to intense mixing between biomass and NaDES.…”

Valorisation of Raspberry Seeds in Cosmetic Industry-Green Solutions

“…This work deals with the possible utilization of seed material generated in the industrial processing of raspberry juice, known to be an excellent source of ingredients with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Our intent was to address the possible reuse of this valuable and non-toxic secondary raw material, in accordance with good production practices and legal regulations in the cosmetic industry [1,9]. Relying on data from the scientific literature, the advantages of the valorisation of fruit and vegetable waste in conventional and personalized cosmetics are obvious.…”