Skin penetration and effect on skin of green coffee bean extract-loaded NLCs in cream

Kanokwan Kiattisin, Worrapan Poomanee, Panisara Cheuabumroong, Parichat Phongphrueksa
Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The green robusta coffee bean extract exhibited good antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. It contained caffeine and chlorogenic acid as major compounds. The aims of this study were to evaluate skin permeation of green robusta coffee bean extract-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers incorporated into the cream (GB-NLCs cream) and study the effectiveness of the formulation in human volunteers. The skin permeation study was tested by Franz diffusion cell using stillborn piglet skin compared between GB-NLCs cream and extract in the cream. The results illustrated that the percentage accumulation amount of chlorogenic acid and caffeine released from GB-NLCs cream was higher than the extract in the cream. The cumulative amount of chlorogenic acid and caffeine in stratum corneum and viable epidermis and dermis from GB-NLCs cream were also higher than the extract in cream due to small particle size, film former, and occlusive effect. The effectiveness of the GB-NLCs cream was evaluated in 15 volunteers in terms of increasing skin moisture and decreasing melanin by Corneometer® and Mexameter®. After using the formulation for 4 weeks, the GB-NLCs cream significantly (p<0.05) increased skin moisture and reduced melanin content when compared with the initial. In addition, skin irritation did not observe in all volunteers after application. Therefore, green coffee bean extract-loaded NLCs in cream was able to improve skin permeation and aesthetic effect on the skin. It has the potential to use it as a commercial skincare product.