In view of the increasing sensitivity of consumer skin in recent years, cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract was tested to evaluate its effectiveness in repairing sensitive skin. Through the experiment of xylene-induced ear swelling in mice, it was found that the inhibition rates of ear swelling in mice induced by xylene in three groups of cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract reached 60.40%, 73.36% and 74.01%, respectively, close to the positive drug group. Twenty-five sensitive skin volunteers were selected for human clinical trial, and the skin TEWL value, cuticle hydration degree and skin heme (ultra-high concentration) were tested. The results showed that using cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract for four weeks could effectively increase the hydration degree of cheek cuticle by 63.90% and reduce transepidermal waterloss (TEWL) by 21.51%. The skin heme (ultra-high concentration) decreased by 69.14% and the affected area decreased by 77.47%. The results show that the cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract can inhibit inflammation, repair skin barrier, improve damaged skin, and reduce redness and other sensitive skin symptoms.
In recent years, the concept of sensitive skin (Sensitive Skin) has been widely recognized by consumers and personal product manufacturers, and more and more recognized by dermatologists [
The active ingredient of Artemisia annua extract is artemisinin. Artemisia annua has a long history as an antimalarial drug. In addition to its effective antimalarial activity, artemisinin and its derivatives have also been shown to affect the immune response [
With the development of a large number of clinical and research work, artemisinin has been used in antimalarial drugs, but there are only a handful of applications in the field of cosmetics. In this study, a series of cosmetics with Artemisia annua extract were used to carry out xylene-induced ear swelling test and human clinical efficacy test, and to evaluate its anti-inflammation, repair skin barrier damage and reduce sensitive muscle redness.
Xylene, Chengdu Cologne Chemical Reagent Factory; compound Dexamethasone Acetate Cream, Xinhecheng Holdings Group Co., Ltd.; KM Mouse, 18 - 22 g, provided by Animal Center of Sichuan Academy of traditional Chinese Medicine. CARE ARMOUR soothing repair toner, CARE ARMOUR soothing repair essence, CARE ARMOUR soothing repair lotion, CARE ARMOUR soothing repair cream, blank paste (Yinsha Cosmetics Co., Ltd.).
Lotions and creams contain Artemisia annua extract with the same efficacy. Human clinical tests use cream during the day and lotion at night. VapoMeter transdermal water loss meter, MoistureMeterSC skin cuticle hydration meter, Finland Delfin company, Antera3D imaging equipment, miravex, Ireland.
1) Dose grouping
Sixty mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 mice in each group. The mice were divided into control group, positive group (compound dexamethasone acetate cream) and four dose groups of 1 ml sample. Sample 1 (control group), sample 2 (CARE ARMOUR soothing repair cream), sample 3 (CARE ARMOUR soothing repair moisturizer lotion), sample 4 (CARE ARMOUR soothing repair moisturizing cream) (Yinsha Cosmetics Co., Ltd.). The soothing repair moisturizer lotion, soothing repair cream, soothing repair moisturizing cream three kinds of products are all contain Artemisia annua, There are in order to adapt to different season and different consumer, the oil is different only on these 3 formulations.
2) Experimental step
The control group was smeared with distilled water (50 μl/per mouse) on both sides of the right ear of mice, while the administration group and the positive group were smeared with samples (0.2 g/per mouse) on both sides of the right ear of mice according to the group, and coated continuously for 15 days.
One hour after the last administration, xylene (0.03 ml/) was evenly smeared on both sides of the right ear to cause inflammation. 30 minutes later, the animals were killed and the thickness of both ears was measured. The swelling inhibition rate (%) was calculated by the difference of the thickness of the two ears (mm); and the difference of the thickness of the two ears (mm).
Results there was a significant difference in the degree of swelling among the three groups by t-test, and the test level was α = 0.05.
Swelling degree (mm) = right ear thickness (mm) − left ear thickness (mm)
Swelling inhibition rate (%) = (− control group ear thickness difference (mm) − sample group ear thickness difference (mm))/ blank control group ear thickness difference (mm) × 100%.
Volunteers first fill in the “trial skin questionnaire” according to the requirements, and select 25 female volunteers who reported their skin as dry skin and sensitive skin (redness, itching, edema, eczema and other allergic skin) and the age between 18 - 50 years old, fill in the “commitment to voluntarily participate in the human trial test of cosmetics” and promise to participate in the human trial period. Every day, we can use the product timely and accurately according to the instructions, and do not use other cosmetics during the trial test (cleansing and sunscreen are not included). The order of use of the product is to use CARE ARMOUR soothing toner, CARE ARMOUR soothing repair essence, CARE ARMOUR soothing repair lotion or CARE ARMOUR soothing facial cream after cleansing. The follow-up tests were performed at 0 week, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Before each test, the subjects washed their faces with facial cleanser and gently dried their faces with tissue paper. After sitting in the environment of constant temperature and humidity (25 ± 2)˚C and relative humidity (55 ± 10)%, the test was carried out by professionals after 30 min.
Skin transepidermal waterloss (TEWL) measurement: the right cheek transepidermal waterlosss (TEWL) was measured by VapoMeter transcutaneous water loss meter, and the average value was measured for 5 times.
Measurement of skin cuticle hydration: the hydration degree of right cheek and right mouth cuticle was measured by MoistureMeterSC skin cuticle hydration meter, and the average value was measured for 5 times.
Facial imaging: Antera3D imaging equipment was used to take pictures of the subjects’ faces (left and right cheeks, left and right eyelids). The pictures of heme (ultra-high concentration) model before 0 week treatment and 4 weeks (28 days) after using the product were compared and analyzed, and the data of ultra-high heme concentration and affected area were collected.
Statistical methods: SPSS20.0 statistical software was used for data analysis. The normal distribution and homogeneity of variance of the parameters were tested before statistical analysis. T test was used to compare the confidence interval of 0 week value, 1 week value, 2 week value and 4 week value, and the significance level was 95% (P < 0.05).
15 days after four cosmetic samples were coated on the right ear of mice, no obvious irritating effect on the skin of mice was found. From the data of the thickness of mouse ear slices, it can be seen that compared with the control group, the cosmetic sample group can reduce the effect of xylene-induced ear swelling (ear thickness), and the degree of swelling is significantly reduced. There was no significant difference in the inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effect of the sample group without Artemisia annua extract (blank paste). The inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of the samples 2, 3, 4 were statistically significant (P < 0.01), and the swelling inhibition rates reached 60.40%, 73.36% and 74.01% respectively. The swelling inhibition rate of positive the sample containing Artemisia annua extract was close to that of positive compound dexamethasone acetate cream. It can be concluded that the sample containing Artemisia annua extract has good anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit the ear swelling induced by xylene in mice. and there are no possible side effects caused by positive compound dexamethasone acetate cream. The experimental results are shown in
40 volunteers were recruited, of whom 25 met the criteria, all female, aged between 18 and 50 years old, with an average age of 35.4 years.
The TEWL value of right cheek was measured by VapoMeter transepidermal waterlosss meter 0 weeks before and 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the trial of the product. The test results are shown in
It can be seen from
The hydration of horny layer of right cheek and right mouth was measured by
| Groups | Size of animal | Degree of swelling (ear thickness, mm) | Swelling inhibition rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control group | 10 | 0.400 ± 0.087 | - |
| Sample 1 | 10 | 0.335 ± 0.073 | 16.31 |
| Sample 2 | 10 | 0.158 ± 0.069** | 60.40 |
| Sample 3 | 10 | 0.107 ± 0.087** | 73.36 |
| Sample 4 | 10 | 0.104 ± 0.047** | 74.01 |
| Positive group (compound dexamethasone acetate cream) | 10 | 0.024 ± 0.069** | 93.91 |
Note: compared with the control group, **means P < 0.01.
| Test time | TEWL value (g/m2/h) | Reduction rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 week | 25.46 ± 8.93 | - |
| 1 week | 25.19 ± 9.42 | 1.07 |
| 2 week | 21.95 ± 6.92 | 13.78 |
| 4 week | 19.98 ± 4.78* | 21.51 |
Note: compared with week 0, *means P < 0.05.
MoistureMeterSC skin cuticle hydration meter 0 weeks before and 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the trial of the product. The test results are shown in
As can be seen from
Antera3D imaging equipment takes pictures and analyzes them in heme (ultra-high concentration) mode. Ultra-high heme concentration and affected area are particularly suitable for sensitive skin, barrier damaged skin, wound healing and inflammation research. Compare and analyze the skin imaging pictures before and after use to judge whether the product has the effect of repairing sensitive skin, damaged skin and anti-inflammation. Some clinical pictures of heme (ultra-high concentration) are shown in Figures 1-6.
| Test time | Stratum corneum hydration (A.U) | Increase rate % |
|---|---|---|
| 0 week | 44.95 ± 20.88 | - |
| 1 week | 73.67 ± 24.98** | 63.90 |
| 2 week | 80.60 ± 30.31** | 79.32 |
| 4 week | 78.13 ± 26.35** | 73.81 |
Note: compared with week 0, *means P < 0.05, **means P < 0.01.
| Test time | Stratum corneum hydration (A.U) | Increase rate % |
|---|---|---|
| 0 week | 37.50 ± 23.46 | - |
| 1 week | 54.85 ± 29.16* | 46.27 |
| 2 week | 55.52 ± 33.90* | 48.05 |
| 4 week | 71.37 ± 30.64** | 90.32 |
Note: compared with week 0, *means P < 0.05, **means P < 0.01.
Clinical picture of ultra-high concentration of heme.
A total of 25 skin-sensitive volunteers were recruited. Antera3D imaging equipment was used to take pictures for 0 weeks (before treatment), and 13 volunteers showed skin damage and inflammation in heme (ultra-high concentration) mode. The heme (ultra-high concentration) data of the pictures of the 13
volunteers at 0 weeks (before treatment and 4 weeks (28 days)) were compared, and the data of 20 damaged areas were obtained. The results showed that the product had the effect of skin repair and anti-inflammation after 4 weeks (28 days) of treatment. the data statistics are shown in
| Test time | 0 week | 4 week | Reduction rate % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-high concentration | 10.405 ± 8.978 | 3.449 ± 5.362** | 69.14% |
| Influence area (mm2) | 75.058 ± 83.024 | 17.804 ± 34.259** | 77.47% |
Note: compared with 0 weeks, *means P < 0.05, **means P < 0.01.
It can be seen from
It is proved that CARE ARMOUR series cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract have the effects of anti-inflammation, repairing skin barrier, repairing damaged skin and improving sensitive skin.
In the experiment of ear swelling in mice induced by xylene, it was found that the cosmetic samples containing Artemisia annua extract had good anti-inflammatory effects, and the data had a very significant statistical difference (P < 0.01). The swelling inhibition rates reached 60.40%, 73.36% and 74.01%, respectively, indicating that the cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract has a good anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit xylene-induced ear swelling in mice.
Human clinical trials showed that the TEWL value decreased after using CARE ARMOUR series cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract. After 4 weeks of use, the TEWL value decreased by 21.51% compared with 0 week, with a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05). The hydration degree (A.U value) of the cuticle of the products containing Artemisia annua extract increased significantly after 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks, in which the hydration degree of the cuticle of the right cheek increased by 63.90% in 1 week compared with 0 week, with a very significant statistical difference (P < 0.01). The hydration degree of horny layer in the right corner of the mouth increased by 90.32% in 4 weeks compared with 0 weeks, with a very significant statistical difference (P < 0.01). The results showed that the skin water loss through the epidermis decreased, the water content increased significantly, the skin barrier function was obviously repaired, and the condition of sensitive skin was improved.
Pictures were taken by Antera3D imaging equipment and analyzed in heme (ultra-high concentration) mode. After 4 weeks (28 days) of treatment with CARE ARMOUR series cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract, compared with 0 week (before treatment), the ultra-high concentration of heme decreased by 69.14% on average, and the area of the affected area decreased by 77.47% on average, with a very significant statistical difference (P < 0.01). It shows that the use of CARE ARMOUR series cosmetics containing Artemisia annua extract can significantly repair the damage of skin barrier function, significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammation, reduce the degree of skin redness, and thus improve the condition of sensitive skin.
The extensive amount of basic, preclinical and clinical research performed over the past decades has clearly demonstrated Artemisinin and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory properties and increase skin immunity [
The research of this paper includes that mouse ear swelling induced by xylene, the volunteers that the TEWL value, the hydration degree of the cuticle before and after using the product. The results are consistent with the previous reports, it is showed that containing Artemisia annua extract can significantly repair the damage of skin barrier function, significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammation, reduce the degree of skin redness, and thus improve the condition of sensitive skin.
Experiments were carried out in accordance with the ethical committee guidelines laid down by Institute of Chinese traditional medicine of Sichuan province regarding the care and use of animals for experimental procedures.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.
Yu, J., Wang, G. and Jiang, N. (2020) Study on the Repairing Effect of Cosmetics Containing Artemisia annua on Sensitive Skin. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 10, 8-19. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2020.101002