Optimization and evaluation of skin cream from Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. extracts with antioxidant activity

Context: Skin aging is driven by factors such as prolonged sun exposure, pollution, poor sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle, which motivate the demand for antioxidant-rich herbal creams. Aims: To investigate the effects of various factors, optimize, and evaluate a skin cream formulated with Perilla frutescens and Aloe vera extracts for their antioxidant activity. Methods: Nineteen cream formulations were prepared using a D-optimal experimental design to optimize the cream composition. Three independent variables were selected for evaluation: Perilla frutescens extract (X₁) at concentrations of 4%, 6%, and 8%; cetyl alcohol (X₂) at 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%; and lanolin (X₃) at 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. These variables were chosen to maximize spreadability and antioxidant activity. Results: The optimized formulation (7.5% P. frutescens extract, 1.5% cetyl alcohol, and 1% lanolin) met the quality criteria. The observed spreadability (54.84 ± 0.91 cm²) and antioxidant activity (43.16 ± 1.13%) showed no significant difference from the predicted values (p>0.05), as confirmed by a one-sample t-test. The cream demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in the ABTS and FRAP assays, showing 85.70 ± 0.45% radical inhibition (IC₅₀ = 23.64 ± 0.78 mg/mL) and a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 19.62 ± 0.35 µmol Trolox/g, respectively. Conclusions: A natural skincare cream containing P. frutescens and A. vera extracts, with good spreadability and antioxidant activity, was successfully developed.