Innovative Formulation and Optimization of a Terneta-Based Anti-Aging Face Serum: A Scientific Approach to Skincare Evolution

Skincare has developed into a necessary routine for preserving the appearance and health of the skin. Both extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (chronological) variables contribute to skin aging, which alters the body's physiology. Products that combine pharmacological and cosmetic qualities are how the cosmeceutical sector responds to these issues ^(1). Because of their high concentration of active substances, which improves transport and efficacy, serums are especially advantageous. Botanicals Clitoria ternatea and Aloe vera are well known for their moisturizing, anti-aging, and antioxidant qualities. In order to offer a natural remedy for skin aging, this study investigates the creation of a serum that incorporates these components^(2). The desire to look young and attractive has become less important to society than cosmetics. Although the skin is the largest and most protective part of the body, it can occasionally get dry for a variety of reasons, including UV rays, grime, and makeup that has been left on overnight that can irritate or create allergies. Cosmetics are used to protect skin from internal and external irritants ^(3).while enhancing its beauty and attractiveness. In addition to creating an appealing exterior appearance, the use of cosmetics prolongs good health by preventing skin issues. Among other things, the natural or synthetic ingredients in skin care products hydrate, preserve skin elasticity by lowering type I collagen, offer UV protection, and promote the integrity, health, and texture of the skin.  The use of chemicals in skin care products contributes to this cosmetic feature by reducing the production of free radicals in the skin and regulating its characteristics throughout time. The finest way to lessen skin problems like wrinkles, rough skin texture, aging, and hyperpigmentation^(4).

1.1 Cosmetics

• The Greek term "kosmetikos," which means to embellish, is the root of the English word "cosmetic." Since then, any substance intended to enhance or promote beauty has been referred to as cosmetic. Comparing herbal cosmetics to synthetic ones, the former are more commonly utilized.

• Herbal cosmetics, also known as products, are characterized as "natural cosmetics" when they are made with a base of different cosmetic elements, and one or more herbalcompounds are added to provide specific cosmetic benefits. Because herbal treatments have no negative side effects, their demand is rising quickly^(5).

• Cosmetics are used to improve skin appearance and attractiveness while protecting against endogenous and external hazardous substances.

• Cosmetics are designed to combat acne, minimize wrinkles, and regulate oil production. Formulations such as skin protection, sunscreen, antiacne, antiwrinkle, and antiaging are made with a variety of natural and synthetic components to treat different kinds of skin conditions ^(6).  

2. anti aging strategies –

Fig No. 1 Skin anti-aging strategies

The objective of developing or applying an anti-aging face serum is to improve skin health while lessening the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and other aging symptoms. These are some typical techniques and components that contribute to the efficacy of anti-aging serums.
3. Supplies and Procedures:

• TECHNIQUE:

1. Active ingredient selection
2. Compilation of active components
3. Clitoria ternatea extraction technique  
4. The makeup of the face serum
5. Herbal Face Serum Evaluation
6. The outcome.

3.1 Active Ingredients:

Clitoria ternatea extract: Known for flavonoids and anthocyanins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

3.2 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS USED IN FORMULATION:

5. CLITORIA TERNATEA:

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is native to subtropical regions and can be found in Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, the Northwest, Central South, and Southwest Pacific. Like vine plants, butterfly peas are herbaceous or perennial climbing plants. It is self-pollinating and spreads by seeds. Clitoria ternatea, the Asian pigeonwing. More and more people throughout the world are using medicinal plants and herbs for health reasons. Therefore, a scientific assessment of their biological properties, safety, and therapeutic potential will be useful in order to make well-informed judgments about their use. Natural food colors are made up of pigments such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and others that are mostly derived from plants and microbes. The preliminary phytochemical screening of Clitoria ternatea, also known as Darwin pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea, bluebellvine, or blue pea, revealed the presence of tannins, phlobatannin, proteins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, phenols, carbohydrates, saponins, triterpenoids, flavanoids, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins, cardiac glycosides, Stigmast-4-ene-3,6 dione, volatile oils, and steroids (7). Butterfly pea flowers are a natural antioxidant that is good for the skin and can slow down the aging process because of their anthocyanins.Ayurveda It is commonly known as Aparajita. It is sometimes confused with Convolvulus prostrates (Convolvulus pluricaulis)(8). 

• HIGHLIGHTS:

-Blue pea blooms contain a large number of blue-colored anthocyanins, together with polyacylated anthocyanins called ternatins.Blue pea Anthocyanins have good thermal and storage endurance.

–The anthocyanins found in blue peas exhibit good thermal and storage durability.                                   

–Blue pea flower anthocyanins are a good substitute for spirulina and gel.

Table No .1

Fig No. 2 Butterfly pea flower

• Phytochemical Test:

Table No.2 Phytochemical Test

5. Health benefits:

 Benefits to health: Clitoria ternatea, sometimes known as butterfly pea, is a tropical plant that is well-known for both its striking blue blossoms and its numerous health benefits. It has been a part of Southeast Asian traditional medicine for generations, and its popularity is growing globally. The following health benefits of Clitoria ternatea are listed with references.

1. Antioxidant Properties: Clitoria ternatea contains compounds with potent antioxidant properties, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. ^(9).

2. Effects of Anti-Inflammatory : The plant can be used to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis or to reduce overall pain because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. ^(10).
3. Stress relief and anti-anxiety: Numerous studies have suggested that Clitoria ternatea may have calming effects and lessen the symptoms of stress and anxiety. ^(11).

4. Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity: Clitoria ternatea has been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. The plant extract has shown effective against a variety of illnesses, including bacteria like Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli.Because of this, it may be helpful in treating infections.

5. Skin Health : Clitoria ternatea is utilized in skincare products to reduce skin damage and aging symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Because of its capacity to combat free radicals and lessen the visibility of fine wrinkles, it is frequently included in cosmetic products.

6. Anti-aging: According to a recent study, topical application of a cream containing 5% butterfly pea flower extract can have anti-aging benefits. Additionally, it treats redness in the skin caused by allergies(^12).

• Aloe vera gel: Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties(^13).
• Sesame oil: Contains vitamin E and essential fatty acids with antimicrobial benefits ^(14).
• Rose oil: Adds aroma and skin-nourishing qualities ^(15).

3.3 Extraction and Phytochemical Screening:                                        

5. Extraction:

There are several ways to extract the components from the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), which is abundant in anthocyanins and other bioactive substances. The butterfly pea blossom is frequently extracted using the methods listed below, along with references.

Dried flowers of Clitorea ternatea         Powdered dried flowers

Fig No .3 Butterfly pea flower(Extraion pwder)

5. Maceration

In order to extract the butterfly pea blossoms' components, maceration entails immersing them in a solvent for an extended amount of time at room temperature.

Steps:

The blossoms of butterfly peas are submerged in a solvent, usually methanol or ethanol

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For a few days, the combination in kept at room temperature.

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Store in cool and dark place (24-72 hours)

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The extract is obtained by filtering the liquid.

Advantages:

• Easy to use and reasonably priced, ideal for thermoslabile substances.

Fig No .4 Extract (Butterfly pea flower )

3.4 Formulation Design:

Three formulations (F1, F2, F3) were developed by varying concentrations of key ingredients. The emulsion method (oil/water type) was used

3.5 Preparation Method:

1. The oil phase (lemon oil, sesame oil, Tween 20) was mixed for 10 minutes.
2. The aqueous phase (aloe vera, Clitoria ternatea extract, glycerin, rose water) was prepared.
3. Acacia powder was dispersed in a portion of the aqueous phase.
4. The oil phase was titrated into the aqueous phase with constant stirring to form an emulsion.
5. The final volume was adjusted to 30 ml and packed in airtight containers ^(16).

3.6 prepared fomulation  serum :

F1 formulation

F2, F3, formulation are discard and the final formulation is F1.    

• Formulation Table:

Table No. 3 Formulation Table of Serum