OPTIMIZATION, FORMULATION, AND EVALUATION OF A TOPICAL ANTI-AGING CREAM INCORPORATING CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA L.) EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED SKIN REJUVENATION

Objective: The study aimed to optimize the formulation of an anti-aging cream incorporating carrot extract (Daucus carota L.) and assess its physicochemical stability and preliminary anti-aging effects. The antioxidant properties of carrot extract are recognized but considered mild, and the study sought to explore its potential benefits in topical cosmetic formulations. Methods: The cream formulations were prepared with varying concentrations of Stearic Acid (8–12%) and Triethanolamine (TEA) (0.5–1%), utilizing the Box–Behnken Design (BBD) methodology for optimization. The formulations were analyzed for physicochemical properties such as pH, adhesion, and spreadability. Optimization was carried out using Design Expert software (Version 13). Clinical testing on two volunteers was conducted over a four-week period to assess the effects on skin hydration, pore reduction, spot reduction, and wrinkle reduction. Results: The optimized formulation contained 10.04% Stearic Acid and 0.63% TEA, showing favorable physicochemical properties (pH 5.53±0.25, adhesion 7.13±0.12 min, spreadability 5.06±0.14 cm). The formulation remained stable without phase separation. Clinical results demonstrated improvements in skin hydration (76.74%), pore reduction (63.15%), spot reduction (62.22%), and wrinkle reduction (63.63%). However, these effects were not statistically significant when compared to the cream base (p>0.05). Conclusion: The optimized carrot extract cream showed good physicochemical stability and safety for topical use. Despite promising results in terms of skin benefits, the relatively mild antioxidant activity of carrot extract and the lack of statistically significant clinical effects suggest that further controlled trials, including placebo groups, are needed to confirm the cream’s efficacy.