Replacing Synthetic Ingredients by Sustainable Natural Alternatives: A Case Study Using Topical O/W Emulsions

Abstract

With the increasing debate on sustainability, there is a strong market trend to formulate more sustainable products for topical application. Several studies emphasize the potential applications of natural, organic, or green chemistry-derived ingredients, but comparative studies between conventional ingredients and sustainable alternatives are lacking. This type of study is considered an excellent baseline and time-saving strategy for future studies. In addition, one of the main challenges of replacing ingredients by sustainable alternatives in topical vehicles is to maintain high-quality products. Thus, the main goal of this research study was to create a well-defined strategy supported by specific experimental data for the development of sustainable topical vehicles with high-quality standards. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of replacing conventional ingredients (e.g., hydrocarbons, silicones, and preservatives) by sustainable ones on the physical, chemical, and microbiological features of topical emulsions. Additionally, in vivo assessment studies were performed to evaluate the safety, biological efficacy, and sensorial aspects of the developed formulations. The results obtained showed that the replacement of ingredients by sustainable alternatives has an effective impact on the physicochemical and structural properties of the emulsions, mainly on their rheological behavior. However, using appropriate strategies for ingredient selection and rheological adjustment, it is possible to overcome some barriers created by the use of natural raw materials, thus developing appealing and high-quality sustainable topical vehicles.

The Influence of Ripeness on the Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne)

“…In addition, the interest in plant foods is also due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that make plant extracts able to act against both lipid peroxidation and foodborne bacteria. Considering the growing demand to replace synthetic preservatives such as methylparabens with natural substances, research on preservatives is of great interest to the food and cosmetic industry [6][7][8][9].…”

Eco-friendly processes for the synthesis of amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles in ethanol and their stabilisation in aqueous media

“…20 One of the recent challenges faced by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is the development of more sustainable products and technologies. [53][54][55][56] Therefore, there is a need for the development of PEG-free materials and as PEGs are synthetic and nonbiodegradable materials. 53,54,56 This need is also motivated by the emergence of anti-PEG immune responses due to the extensive use of PEGylated additives in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.…”

“…[53][54][55][56] Therefore, there is a need for the development of PEG-free materials and as PEGs are synthetic and nonbiodegradable materials. 53,54,56 This need is also motivated by the emergence of anti-PEG immune responses due to the extensive use of PEGylated additives in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [57][58][59][60][61][62] In the biomedical field, the apparition of anti-PEG IgG and IgM is responsible for efficacy loss and hypersensitivity reactions.…”

Betula alba Bark Extract and Empetrum nigrum Fruit Juice, a Natural Alternative to Niacinamide for Skin Barrier Benefits

“…Over the last decade, natural ingredients in skin care have become a key criterion for purchase by consumers [ 12 ], which has driven demand for the cosmetic industry to produce more natural products for topical application [ 13 ]. However, studies comparing well-known ingredients and natural alternatives are scarce.…”