Pomegranate Peel Extract and Hyaluronic Acid-Integrated Water-in-oil-in-water Double Emulsion and its Sensory Analysis for Topical Application
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v22n2.4888Keywords:
Pomegranate peels, ethanolic-water extract, double emulsion, Water-in-oil-in-water, hyaluronic acid, topicalAbstract
Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) offers a rich source of natural polyphenols for cosmetic applications, yet its incorporation into stable topical formulations remains challenging due to poor bioactive stability and skin permeability. This study aimed to develop a stable water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion co-loaded with PPE and hyaluronic acid (HA) using a high-energy two-step emulsification method, and to evaluate its physicochemical properties and consumer acceptability. The optimal formulation, identified through systematic screening of oil and xanthan gum concentrations, consisted of 15% grapeseed oil and 1.0% xanthan gum. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the emulsion possessed a mean droplet size of approximately 155 nm with a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index < 0.3), indicating a homogeneous system conducive to topical delivery. The formulation exhibited pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) rheological behavior, favorable for skin application, and maintained a skin-compatible pH (approximately 5.0) over 7 weeks of storage at 25°C. Stability studies demonstrated that the double emulsion resisted coalescence and Ostwald ripening throughout the storage period, with conductivity measurements confirming the structural integrity of the multiple emulsion system. Sensory evaluation by untrained panelists (n = 40) using a 9-point hedonic scale showed that the formulation achieved overall acceptance comparable to that of a commercial reference product, with particular preference noted for its fragrance and spreadability. These findings establish a foundational formulation strategy for incorporating PPE and HA into a physically stable W/O/W double emulsion with acceptable sensory properties. The systematic optimization approach and demonstration of resistance to key destabilization mechanisms distinguish this work from prior studies, though further biological and efficacy testing are required to substantiate any dermatological applications.
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