Development of mangiferin-loaded anisotropic emulsion for cosmetic applications: A comprehensive study on formulation, antioxidant activity, stability, and skin compatibility

Liquid crystal (LC) emulsions offer a promising system for topical application due to their ability to enhance skin penetration and to improve skin hydration. Mangiferin, a natural polyphenolic compound found in mango leaves, possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to develop mangiferin-loaded LC emulsions, focusing on optimizing the formulation, evaluating antioxidation activity, conducting stability tests, and examining skin compatibility. The antioxidant activity was investigated of mangiferin in an aqueous solution and in the developed emulsion against the free radical, 2,2′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The developed emulsions containing sorbitan palmitate and sucrose palmitate with a 4:1 ratio displayed an obvious Maltese cross image when observed under polarized light microscopy. The stability results of the developed emulsion containing mangiferin showed that although the mangiferin content, as analyzed by UV absorption, gradually decreased over 90-day study period, its scavenging activity against DPPH radicals remained consistent throughout the study. Furthermore, the mangiferin-loaded emulsion enhanced skin health by increasing water content and reducing transepidermal water loss, without causing any skin irritation.