Natural-based cosmetic nanoformulation for melasma application

Abstract

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation, which is characterized as brown spots on the face, being more commonly in women, affecting all ethnicities and races, however, there is a prevalence in women with phototypes III-V and in regions where there is high incidence of sunlight, such as Brazil. The melasma is the third cause of dermatological disease that affect the Brazilians. In addition, since melasma is a recurrent and complex pathology, conventional topical treatments show great therapeutic challenges, such as serious adverse effects and a high incidence of recurrences. Due to the growing awareness of consumption and its impacts on health and the environment, the consumer becomes more demanding, which increases consumption for products with natural, organic and sustainable ingredients. The beauty sector follows this market and the natural cosmetics business grows between 8 and 25% per year worldwide. Considering that Brazilian biodiversity is one of the largest in the world, Brazil has an excellent opportunity for economic and social development with natural cosmetics. In view of the business opportunities in the field of natural cosmetics and the difficulties in melasma treatment, such as serious toxic effects and low efficacy of the available products, the objective of this project is to develop an innovator and original cosmetic nanoformulation, appreciating the Brazilian biodiversity, using raw materials of natural origin, oils and plant extracts native from Amazon region of Brazil for application in melasma. The focus will be in the effectiveness in skin whitening, as well as the development of a more sustainable, natural and safer product for health and less toxic to the environment. To achieve the proposed objectives, during the PIPE-Fase I project, will be performed the development of the natural formulation, technological characterization of the nanostructured system, study of physical-chemical and microbiological stability. Moreover, the sensitization test and verification of in vivo efficacy in humans with subjective and objective evaluations. As expected results, it is predictable to improve the penetration / permeation of the active in the skin, and consequently to improve the product effectiveness. Additionally, the progress of this project contributes to the development of a 100% Brazilian company, which uses natural raw materials and which appreciates the Brazilian biodiversity. As consequence, it will be possible the opportunity of expansion the facial line, among other lines, creating the possibility of generation of fair jobs that will contribute to the national economy and to the more sustainable development of a product and its all production chain. (AU)