Abstract
Introduction: Citrus hystrix DC. contains secondary metabolites, such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which may have photoprotective and antioxidant properties. These compounds make them feasible for use as sunscreens, skin-lightening agents, and anti-aging agents in cosmetic preparations. This study aimed to evaluate C. hysteric plant extract as an active ingredient in sunscreen, skin-lightening, and anti-aging cosmetics.
Methods: Extraction was done on leaves, fruit peels, and pulp to assess extract characteristics and phytochemical compositions. The extracts containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Finally, in vitro sunscreen, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibition activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods to determine cosmeceutical potential.
Results: The research revealed that ethyl acetate extract of fruit peels (EAP) had higher TPC and TFC content, compared to other extracts (P<0.05). Additionally, EAP had the best sunscreen activity with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of 23.644 ± 0.007 at 200 μg/mL concentration. EAP was reported as the best tyrosinase inhibitor with an IC50 value of 46.265 μg/mL. In contrast, ethanol leaf extract (EL) demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 544.174 μg/mL. Finally, the best inhibitions of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase were EAP, EL, and ethanol extracts of the fruit peels (EP) with IC50 values of 26.045, 58.521, and 55.947 μg/mL, respectively.
Conclusion: Ethyl acetate extract from fruit peel extract from C. hystrix has potential for cosmetic preparations targeting sunscreen, skin-lightening, and anti-aging sites but needs clinical confirmation.