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

Abstract 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. Graphical Abstract