From Plant to Skin: Exploring Alnus glutinosa Extracts for Cosmeceutical Applications

This study explores the photoprotective and antioxidant potential of cosmetic emulsions formulated with <i>Alnus glutinosa</i> (black alder) extracts. Extraction of bioactive compounds was performed using Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted techniques with ethanol and water as solvents. The phytochemical profiles of the resulting extracts were characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The extracts were incorporated into oil-in-water emulsions and assessed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, pH and viscosity stability, and color L*a*b* values. Among the extraction methods, ethanol-based Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest concentration of bioactive compounds and demonstrated superior antioxidant and photoprotective efficacy. This is the first report that evaluates the antioxidant properties of <i>A. glutinosa</i>-enriched emulsions, supporting their application as multifunctional, plant-derived cosmeceuticals for skin protection.