Anti-aging potential of a cream containing herbal oils and honey: Formulation and in vivo evaluation of effectiveness using non- invasive biophysical techniques

A topical oil in water type (o/w) emulsion containing pomegranate seed oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil and flower honey was developed in this study. In order to determine stability, the selected formulations were kept at room temperature (25±2°C) and accelerated conditions (40±2°C ve %75 relative humidity). Physicochemical and microbiological stability of the formulations were evaluated. In order to determine antiaging efficacy and safety of the selected formulation, various skin parameters such as moisture level, pH value, sebum content, roughness, mean size of skin pores and elasticity of the application area of 12 healthy female volunteers, 25-65 years old were assessed by non-invasive biophysical techniques. In addition to this, the panelists answered a preformed questionnaire to assess the performance of the product. A cosmetically acceptable and stable cream was developed regarding to the results of the stability studies. It was determined that the cream has not created any allergic reaction on volunteers based on the 48-hour patch test results. Results of the non-invasive biophysical tests have shown that the product increased skin moisture, elasticity and smoothness significantly (p<0,05), it protected skin pH and sebum content (p>0,05). In addition, the product decreased skin roughness and mean size of skin pores significantly (p<0,05).