Herbal Cosmetics and Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Herbal cosmetics are defined as the products which prepared by or included plants and/or herbal components which are combination of many natural molecules or compounds. In this context, critical parameters that affect the final quality and stability of herbal cosmetics are the specifications of herbal inputs, structure of formulation and manufacturing process. In addition to produce according to the good manufacturing practices of cosmetics (ISO 22716) in case of being natural or organic cosmetic it needs to meet the related international standard for technical definitions and criteria of natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products (ISO 16128). Novel drug delivery systems are used in herbal cosmetics and between them vesicular, particular and emulsion based delivery systems are most preferable delivery systems. The advantages of such systems for herbal cosmetics can be listed as; enhanced efficacy, improved stability and decrease allergic potential of some herbal substances. As a result, choosing an appropriate drug delivery system for a herbal cosmetic is able to provide increased efficacy, stability and enhanced safety of the final product. Besides these advantages above mentioned since herbal cosmetics have become more complicated the fulfillment of quality requirements either during production or after packaging and during shelf life would be critical that need to fulfill long-term stability and dermatological safety.