BLACK TURMERIC IN MODERN SKIN CARE: A REVIEW

Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) has gained increasing attention as a multifunctional botanical ingredient in cosmetic dermatology due to its rich phytochemical composition and diverse bioactivities. This review systematically evaluates the existing literature on the dermatological and cosmetic applications of black turmeric, with a focus on its phytochemistry, skin-related therapeutic potential, and advanced formulation strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, employing keywords related to Curcuma caesia, cosmetic and dermatological applications, skin diseases, and modern topical delivery systems. Among approximately 19,100 turmeric-related publications, a substantial body of evidence highlights the relevance of black turmeric in skin diseases, beauty and cosmetic formulations, and other medicinal domains, particularly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial applications. Despite its promising anti-aging, photoprotective, and wound-healing properties, the cosmetic utilization of black turmeric is limited by challenges such as poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and chemical instability. Recent advances in formulation science—including nanoemulsions, liposomes, ethosomes, nanoemulgels, microemulsions, and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes—have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing stability, skin penetration, and sustained release of bioactive compounds. Emerging green and hybrid nanotechnological approaches further support sustainability and consumer demand for natural cosmeceuticals. This review underscores the need for standardized extraction methods, robust clinical validation, and scalable, eco-friendly formulation strategies to fully harness the potential of black turmeric as a high-performance ingredient in next-generation cosmetic and dermatological products.