Development and optimization of a gel-cream moisturizer through Acmella oleracea extract-loaded niosomes for lateral canthal rhytides

The purpose of this study was to investigate lateral canthal rhytids, which are frequently linked to oxidative stress and skin aging. Acmella oleracea extract-loaded niosomes (AOLN) were fabricated by the “thin film hydration” technique. Further, Formulation was transformed into multi-corrective gel-cream moisturizer (MCGCM) and optimized through Box–Behnken design. Drug Excipient Compatibility, thermal stability testing, fluorescence imaging, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the MCGCM. Stability Studies, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities were also conducted. The MCGCM-AOLN has a zeta potential value of −23.6 mV and a particle size of 213.1 nm with a PDI of 0.158. There was no turbidity, color change, or precipitation in the MCGCM-AOLN formulation. Additionally, it displayed texture analysis, including work of cohesion (−117.99), cohesiveness (−8.90), consistency (314.04), and stiffness (12.29). The gel-cream moisturizer had a viscosity of 1379 mPas and less than 100 CFU of microbial colonies. MCGCM-AOLN was shown to have a 45.83% drug release rate and a 24.25% drug penetration rate. In comparison to AOLN, the MCGCM-AOLN showed superior anti-elastase and anti-collagenase inhibitory activities. The results of this study demonstrate AOLN’s potential for use in future cosmetic formulations, especially in the under-eye region, by integrating its bioactive potential in a niosome carrier.