# From Plant to Skin: Exploring Alnus glutinosa Extracts for Cosmeceutical Applications

## TL;DR

This study investigates the use of Alnus glutinosa extracts in cosmetic products for their skin-protecting and antioxidant properties.

## Contribution

The first evaluation of antioxidant properties of Alnus glutinosa-enriched emulsions for cosmeceutical use.

## Key findings

- Ethanol-based Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
- Extracts showed superior antioxidant and photoprotective efficacy in emulsions.
- A. glutinosa extracts are suitable for multifunctional cosmeceutical applications.

## Abstract

This study explores the photoprotective and antioxidant potential of cosmetic emulsions formulated with Alnus glutinosa (black alder) extracts. Extraction of bioactive compounds was performed using Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted techniques with ethanol and water as solvents. The phytochemical profiles of the resulting extracts were characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The extracts were incorporated into oil-in-water emulsions and assessed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, pH and viscosity stability, and color L*a*b* values. Among the extraction methods, ethanol-based Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest concentration of bioactive compounds and demonstrated superior antioxidant and photoprotective efficacy. This is the first report that evaluates the antioxidant properties of A. glutinosa-enriched emulsions, supporting their application as multifunctional, plant-derived cosmeceuticals for skin protection.