Chitosan beads loaded with essential oils in cosmetic formulations

C. ANCHISI;M. C. MELONI;MACCIONI, ANNA MARIA

2006-01-01

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Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate the stability and release of chitosan beads loaded with volatile molecules of Mentha piperita essential oil (E.O.) in a cosmetic formulation. The ability of the beads to quickly release Mentha piperita E.O. during use of a cosmetic formulation such as a bath foam will also be assessed. The chitosan beads were produced with three different chitosan dispersions gelled with two different gelling solutions: a) a 10% solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and b) a 4% solution of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). A few properties of six bead samples loaded with Mentha piperita E.O. were assessed. The properties were morphology, size, swelling ability, encapsulation efficiency, stability in time, and fast release of Mentha piperita E.O. during the use phase of the cosmetic formulation.