Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the preservative effectiveness of plant extracts (Matricaria chamomilla, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis) and essential oils (Lavandulla officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum) with methylparaben in cosmetic emulsions against skin microflora during 2 months of application by volunteers. Cosmetic emulsions with extracts (2.5 %), essential oils (2.5 %), methylparaben (0.4 %) or placebo were tested by 40 volunteers during 2 months of treatment. In order to determine microbial purity of the emulsions, the samples were taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of application. Throughout the trial period it was revealed that only cinnamon oil completely inhibited the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould, as compared to all other essential oils, plant extracts and methylparaben in the tested emulsions. This result shows that cinnamon oil could successfully replace the use of methylparaben in cosmetics, at the same time ensuring microbiological purity of a cosmetic product under its in-use and storage conditions.
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References
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12088_2014_454_MOESM1_ESM.doc
Supplementary Table 1 Composition of the emulsions: E1–emulsion without methylparaben/essential oils/extracts; E2–emulsion with essential oils, E3–emulsion with extracts; E4–emulsion with methylparaben. (DOC 40 kb)
12088_2014_454_MOESM2_ESM.doc
Supplementary Table 2 Antibacterial and antifungal activity of essential oils, extracts and methylparaben (15 μL) in agar disc diffusion method, inhibition zones (mm). (DOC 43 kb)
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Herman, A. Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils, Plant Extracts and Methylparaben in Cosmetic Emulsions: 2 Months Study. Indian J Microbiol 54, 361–364 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-014-0454-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-014-0454-z