Work

A Natural Antioxidant-Rich Hydrogel Formulation with Laurus nobilis Hydrosol: Physicochemical and Cosmeceutical Evaluation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: hydrosol (HyLN), a water-soluble byproduct of essential oil extraction, containing beneficial antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, was used as a sustainable ingredient in the development of a natural antioxidant-rich hydrogel formulation. Hydrogels were formulated using sodium hyaluronate and xanthan gum, natural ingredients with beneficial effects on the skin, while β-cyclodextrin (βCD) was added to enhance the stability of antioxidants in HyLN. Extensive rheological and textural analyses were employed to optimize the hydrogel formulation for dermal administration, while stability studies assessed the chemical and physical stability of developed formulations. A combination of sodium hyaluronate and xanthan gum provided several HyLN hydrogel formulations with tunable rheological and textural properties, presenting adequate physical and microbiological stability over 6 months of storage. The use of βCD failed to stabilize inherently unstable antioxidants in HyLN hydrogels, yet their residual antioxidant activity remained notable. An in vitro scratch test using a human keratinocyte cell line showed that the developed HyLN gel does not interfere with wound healing. HyLN hydrogels showed a pronounced occlusive effect in vitro, reaching up to 80% of that measured for Vaseline, which helps maintain skin hydration and appearance.

Source: Gels

DOI: 10.3390/gels12020165

Authors: Lea Juretić, Radwan Joukhadar, Emerik Galić, Renata Jurišić Grubešić, Mario Jug

Institutions: University of Rijeka, University of Zagreb

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534