Formulation and Development of Moisturizing Cream Using Candlenut Oil

Xerosis (Dry skin), a common dermatological condition that is attributed to loosening of water in the stratum corneum. Nowadays, herbal moisturizers are extensively recognized over synthetic products and widely used to retain skin hydration and prevent signs of aging. Candlenut oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids mainly, linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid that possess high moisturizing properties. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to formulate and evaluate the moisturizing cream containing candlenut oil. The Fatty acid content profile of candlenut oil was evaluated using gas chromatography. It revealed the presence of 31.3% monosaturated fats, 11.4% saturated fats and 54.8% of polyunsaturated fats. In the present study, moisturizing creams (O/W emulsion) were formulated by incorporating 2%, 4% and 6% concentrations of candlenut oil. Furthermore, formulations were evaluated for its moisturizing efficacy using digital skin moisture meter on healthy female volunteers. Topical application of candlenut oil cream dose-dependently increased moisture content at 2%, 4%, and 6% concentrations as compared with base (control; without active). The highest skin moisture content was observed at 6% formulation relative to base control and hyaluronic acid base. The candlenut oil (6%) moisturizing cream was subjected to accelerated stability testing for physical appearance, colour, odour and pH. The pH was found to be 6.65. The formulation was found to be effective and stable in terms of all functional parameters. Our present findings suggest that topical moisturizing cream containing 6% Candlenut oil could be a potential herbal skin hydrating approach to ameliorate skin dryness and signs of aging.