Enhanced antioxidant activity of carvacrol via vanoformulation: A promising strategy for cosmetic industry

Carvacrol (Car) is a monoterpenic compound found in Oregano species and has numerous biological activites such as antioxidant effect. However, direct use of the Car molecule is difficult due to its pungent odor, easy oxidation and irritating structure. Nowadays, loading into polymeric structures in the nanoparticles is becoming widespread to reduce such as side effects [ 1 ]. Our previous study evaluated collagenase inhibitory activity by encapsulating Car into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, the antioxidant activity of Car-PCL-NPs obtained using the same encapsulation system was examined and its effectiveness was evaluated in comparison with free Car [ 2 ]. It was predicted that the antioxidant activity of Car, whose irritating effect and strong odor were already eliminated by encapsulation, would also increase in this form. In the study, ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC and metal chelating antioxidant tests were performed on free Car and Car-PCL-NPs. As a result, free Car showed antioxidant effect in all of them, but it was observed that Car-PCL-NPs were active only in ABTS and CUPRAC tests. This activity is approximately 10 times higher in the ABTS test and 8 times higher in the CUPRAC test compared to free Car. According to the results, it was determined that the activity of the Car loaded into NPs increased significantly. Also, volatility and irritating properties were eliminated, making Car easier to use. Thus, it was predicted that Car-PCL-NPs could be suitable candidates for use in the cosmetic industry as more stable and bioavailable active structures for anti-aging, skin brightening topical formulations. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany