Structure of clays, diatomite, and LDH as carriers for stabilizing plant powders in cosmetic formulations

Abstract

In the cosmetic industry, increasing attention is being paid to the creation of natural and eco-friendly products. One important direction is the use of plant powders, such as rosemary, lemon balm, lavender, blue barberry, and algae, specifically Chlorella and Cladophora, as they contain a wide range of bioactive compounds – anthocyanins, chlorophylls, carotenoids, rosmarinic acid, and more. However, these components often exhibit low stability under the influence of temperature, light, and humidity, which limits their effective use in cosmetic products. Therefore, stabilizing plant powders to preserve their active properties over time is an important task. One effective way to stabilize these powders is by using clays, diatomite, and LDH (layered double hydroxides), which serve as carriers for active ingredients. Their varying structure has a significant impact on the release rate of active components, which is crucial for the development of cosmetic products that should provide both quick and prolonged effects. The aim of this work is to study the impact of the carriers' structure on the stabilization and release of bioactive substances, such as pigments from plant powders, as well as their use in the creation of effective cosmetic formulations.