Human skin integrity, appearance, and conditions can all be improved by using skincare cosmetics. The effectiveness of skincare cosmetics, especially those that can enhance skin tone and health, is a major issue for consumers these days. Previous studies reported that antioxidant and volatile organic compounds in skincare cosmetics could have beneficial effects on human skin. Hence, this research aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of CHARMS™ skincare cosmetics products as well as to investigate the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could influence their skin tone improvement properties. CHARMS™ products were founded by a local entrepreneur in 2012 and have become a leading source of beauty care and cosmetic solutions with tested and proven results in Malaysia. The studied products were cleanser, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, scrub, and night cream. The skin tone improvement was assessed on 20 female volunteers’ facial skin which were selected based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, by using a colorimeter. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Meanwhile, the VOCs were measured using an electronic nose based on gas chromatography (e-nose-GC) principle. The results demonstrate that overall skin tone was improved significantly by 3.23% in which the skin becomes lighter while skin redness was found reduced by 5.75% after using the CHARMS™ skincare cosmetics in two weeks.

The results also show that the cleanser (21.55 ± 0.23%) and the serum (23.60 ± 0.19%) had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. The moisturizer exhibited the highest TPC value (324.14 ± 17.47 mg GAE/g), and the cleanser had the highest TFC value (24.68 ± 1.57 mg QE/g). The VOCs detected in these skincare cosmetics such as limonene and γ-terpinene may have skin-lightening effects. These promising results has been complied with the standard regulations and guidelines for the Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. In conclusion, the tested products from CHARMS™ skincare cosmetics have improved and lightened the skin tone conditions and can be used effectively and safely as a daily skincare routine.

 

Keywords: Antioxidant, skin tone, skincare cosmetics, volatile organic compounds