ascorbic-acid and isopropyl-myristate

The aim of the study was the comparison of photo-activity of three types of titanium dioxide (TiO2) micro-dispersions intended for use as UV filters for cosmetic sunscreen products. The dispersions were also investigated with regard to their influence on the stability of photo-protective systems in cosmetic emulsions, their skin penetration/absorption and their photo-toxicity for humans and skin bacterial flora. All the tested micro-dispersions of rutile TiO2 type (agglomerates with diameter 120-150 nm), with primary particle size lower than 100 nm, demonstrated no phototoxic effect and insignificant antimicrobial behaviour. On the other hand, TiO2 with insufficient deactivation of photo-activity had significant negative impact on the stability of other organic UV filters and therefore on the stability of declared UV protective factors (SPF, UVA-PF). The study demonstrated that the level of deactivation of TiO2 is one of the highly important factors for evaluation of UV filters used as sunscreens.

Topics: 3T3 Cells; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Azo Compounds; Benzenesulfonates; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Coloring Agents; Escherichia coli; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Myristates; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Skin; Skin Absorption; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Sunscreening Agents; Swine; Titanium; Ultraviolet Rays; Water

Cutaneous delivery of combinations of antioxidants offers the possibility of enhanced protection against UV-radiation. In this study, we investigated the potential of sugar-based microemulsions containing monoglycerides to promote simultaneous cutaneous delivery of lycopene and ascorbic acid, and increase tissue antioxidant activity. Lycopene and ascorbic acid were incorporated (0.04% and 0.2% (w/w), respectively) in decylglucoside-based microemulsions containing isopropyl myristate mixed with monocaprylin (ME-MC), monolaurin (ME-ML) or monoolein (ME-MO) as oil phase. The microemulsions increased lycopene delivery into porcine ear skin by 3.3- to 8-fold compared to a drug solution. The effect of microemulsions on ascorbic acid cutaneous delivery was more modest (1.5-3-fold), and associated with an approximately 2-fold increase in transdermal delivery. According to their penetration-enhancing ability, the microemulsions were ranked ME-MC>ME-MO>ME-ML. This superiority of ME-MC coincided with a stronger effect in decreasing skin electrical resistance. After 18 h of treatment, the viability of bioengineered skin treated with ME-MC was 2.2-times higher compared to Triton-X100 (moderate irritant), demonstrating that ME-MC is less cytotoxic. Skin treatment with ME-MC containing both antioxidants increased the tissue antioxidant activity by 10.2-fold, but no synergism between the antioxidants was observed.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Caprylates; Carotenoids; Drug Delivery Systems; Emulsions; Excipients; Glucosides; Glycerides; Laurates; Lycopene; Monoglycerides; Myristates; Skin; Skin Absorption; Swine

An interesting strategy for protecting skin from excessive exposure to free radicals is to support the skin endogenous antioxidant system. As the balance between different skin antioxidants is very important, a combined therapy using at least two antioxidants is desirable. In the present work, o/w, w/o, and gel-like microemulsions (ME), all composed of the same ingredients, were selected as carrier systems for dermal delivery of vitamins C and E. Gel-like ME was found to offer the best protection for both vitamins, although other ME also significantly increased their stability compared with that solution. In the presence of vitamin C no decrease in vitamin E content occurred. To obtain ME appropriate for dermal use, their viscosity was increased by adding thickening agents. On the basis of visual examination of viscosity and physical stability of thickened systems, several thickeners were selected. The addition of thickener significantly increased the viscosity of ME and changed the behavior of systems from ideal Newtonian to thixotropic. Finally, the stability of both vitamins was examined as a function of thickening agent and of the location of vitamins in the ME. The addition of thickeners changed the stability of at least one vitamin, but the systems generally still protected vitamins better than solutions. It is likely that the changes in internal organization of ME resulting from the addition of thickener, confirmed by thermal analysis and changes in solubility of oxygen in the outer phase, were the most important factors that influenced the stability of vitamins in thickened systems.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Caprylates; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Carriers; Drug Combinations; Drug Compounding; Drug Stability; Emulsions; Excipients; Gels; Myristates; Oxygen; Photolysis; Polysorbates; Rheology; Surface-Active Agents; Temperature; Time Factors; Viscosity; Vitamin E; Water