Cosmetics
2015,
2(2),
48-65;
doi:10.3390/cosmetics2020048
Review
Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products
1
Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology,
Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto,
Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal; E-Mails: asofiamachadao@hotmail.com (A.S.R.); slobo@ff.up.pt (S.L.)
2
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Chemical Sciences
Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge
Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal; E-Mail: beatoliv@ff.up.pt
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: msrestanqueiro@ff.up.pt; Tel.: +351-220-428-821; Fax: +351-226-093-390.
Academic Editor:
Enzo Berardesca
Received: 9 March 2015 / Accepted: 31 March 2015 / Published: 10 April 2015
Abstract
: Natural ingredients have been used for centuries for skin care purposes. Nowadays, they are becoming more prevalent in formulations, due to consumers’ concerns about synthetic ingredients/chemical substances. The main benefits reported for plant extracts, used in skin care, include antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and tyrosinase inhibition effect. In this review, some examples of plants from Portuguese flora, whose extracts have shown good properties for skin care are presented. However, despite the known properties of plant extracts, few studies reported the development of formulations with them. More work in this field can be accomplished to meet consumer demand.
Keywords:
plant extracts; antioxidant activity; tyrosinase inhibition; antimicrobial activity; cosmetics