A REVIEW OF THE PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND FORMULATION ASPECTS OF EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT IN COSMETIC APPLICATIONS

Horsetail, or Equisetum arvense, is a medicinal plant that is frequently used in both traditional and contemporary cosmetic formulations because of its diverse biological activity and rich phytochemical makeup. Plant-derived substances have become increasingly important in skincare and hair care products due to the growing desire for natural and herbal cosmetics. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the biological activities, phytochemical components, extraction methods, and formulation characteristics of horsetail extract in cosmetic applications. The plant's antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities are attributed to its abundance of silica, flavonoids, phenolic chemicals, and saponins. Horsetail extract also contributes significantly to strengthening hair structure, increasing collagen synthesis, and enhancing skin suppleness. Horsetail is used in a variety of formulation techniques, including creams, gels, serums, and shampoos. Extracts have shown encouraging stability and effectiveness. Standardization, stability, and limited clinical validation are still issues, though. All things considered, horsetail extract is a powerful natural component with significant potential for use in the creation of cutting-edge cosmeceutical products.