Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Acne and Anti-Ageing Thermosensitive Hydrogel

Acne vulgaris and chronological/photoaging are not only among the most common skin diseases globally, both are also increasing in age-standardized prevalence and economic burden. Conventional monotherapies (e.g., retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha-hydroxy acids) are hindered by poor patient compliance, irritation, microbial resistance, and insufficient repair of the extracellular matrix. The current project's objective is to develop a multi-targeted, plant-based solution for the management of acne vulgaris and the restorative slowdown of chronological/photoaging through the delivery of Coriandrum sativum (Apiaceae) leaf extract in a thermosensitive hydrogel formulation. The extract contains numerous bioactive constituents, including significant concentrations of linalool, quercetin, and phenolic compounds, all of which exhibit potential synergistic combinations of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity to be more effective against Propionibacterium acnes and against the oxidative damage induced by UVB radiation compared to conventional antioxidants. The ethanol maceration technique developed preserved 85% or more of the extract's bioactive constituents, as demonstrated by multiple standard phytochemical analysis techniques. The incorporation of a Pluronic F127-based hydrogel formulation allowed the sol-to-gel transition of the phytoconstituents to occur at physiological temperature, to provide for extended skin residence times, and to control the release of both lipophilic and hydrophilic phytoconstituents from the formulation. The hydrogel formulation displayed excellent rheological properties, demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, and had an increased retention in the skin. Thus, the findings of this study provide support for the use of thermosensitive hydrogel-based phytotherapeutics as a new option for patient compliance for the management of acne vulgaris and for rejuvenating the skin.