Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques

  1. Susi Elaine Dal'Belo,
  2. Lorena Rigo Gaspar,
  3. Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos

Article first published online: 5 OCT 2006

DOI: 10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x

Issue

Skin Research and Technology

Skin Research and Technology

Volume 12, Issue 4, pages 241–246, November 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Dal'Belo, S. E., Rigo Gaspar, L. and Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos, P. M. (2006), Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology, 12: 241–246. doi: 10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x

Author Information

  1. Laboratory of Cosmetic Technology, Faculdade de Ciĕncias Farmacĕuticas de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil

*Address: Dr P.M.B.G. Maia Campos Av. do Café s/n, Bairro Monte Alegre Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP Brazil Tel: +55 16 3602 4197 Fax: +55 16 3625 7202 e-mail: pmcampos@usp.br

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 OCT 2006
  2. Article first published online: 5 OCT 2006
  3. Accepted for publication 14 July 2005

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Keywords:

  • Aloe vera extract;
  • moisturizers;
  • corneometer;
  • TEWL;
  • skin hydration

Background/purpose: The polysaccharide-rich composition of Aloe vera extracts (Aloe barbadensis Miller), often used in cosmetic formulations, may impart moisturizing properties to the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract on skin hydration, after a single and a 1- and 2-week period of application, by using skin bioengineering techniques.

Methods: Stable formulations containing 5% (w/w) of a trilaureth-4 phosphate-based blend were supplemented with 0.10%, 0.25% or 0.50% (w/w) of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract and applied to the volar forearm of 20 female subjects. Skin conditions in terms of the water content of the stratum corneum and of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (CorneometerTM CM 825 and TewameterTM TM 210) were analysed before and after a single and 1- and 2-week period of daily application.

Results: After a single application, only formulations supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% (w/w) of Aloe vera extract increased the water content of the stratum corneum, while after the 2-week period application, all formulations containing the extract (0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%) had the same effect, in both cases as compared with the vehicle. TEWL was not modified after a single and after 1- and 2-week period of application, when compared with the vehicle.

Conclusion: Our results show that freeze-dried Aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration, possibly through a humectant mechanism. Consequently, it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also as a complement in the treatment of dry skin.

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