ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A combination of extracts, from two plant species, ie, Coffea arabica and Larrea divaricata (Jarilla) (ECOHAIR®), is being successfully used in Argentina as a cosmetic for hair recovery in androgenic and areata alopecia, and for eyelash and eyebrow growth. The objectives of this prospective study were to evaluate the capacity of Jarilla-Coffea extract gel of improving hair growth in relation to thickness, appearance of new hair, and hair length in comparison with a placebo in premenopausal and postmenopausal volunteers and to identify possible signs of ocular adverse local reactions related to the application of the gel. VOLUNTEERS AND METHODS: An open-label, placebo-controlled, prospective study was performed in healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal women during a daily administration period of 2 months (eyebrow growth) and 3 months (eyelash growth). The thickness of hair was determined using a video microscope MedicalScope®. The appearance of new hairs and total area with hair in eyebrow and eyelash length were quantified using a photographic record with Fotofinder® (Germany). The number of volunteers presenting variation in growth of new hair and length were also recorded. RESULTS: The product significantly increased the thickness of eyebrows (20% in 80% women) and eyelashes (19.44% in 100% of women). The gel also increased the appearance of new hairs, total area with hair, and length but there was no statistical difference between treatment and placebo. CONCLUSION: The gel was capable of improving growth of eyelashes and eyebrows by inducing principally hair thickening without causing local adverse effects in a high percentage of volunteers.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present work was to study the influence of emulsion composition and two types of peppermint oil (common and dementholated) on freshness perception (skin feel) of refreshing creams, as evaluated by trained assessors and two consumer panels. Both common peppermint oil (PO) and dementholated peppermint oil (DPO) were added in a 1% concentration to two base emulsions formulated with high (emulsion A) and low (emulsion B) concentration of apolar components. The samples' freshness was evaluated by a panel of trained assessors and by consumers. Results showed that the freshness sensation was higher when formulation B was considered, which indicates that its low proportion of apolar components might have enhanced peppermint oil liberation and penetration into the skin, increasing freshness perception. On the other hand, no significant differences in freshness intensity after 5 min of application were found between creams formulated containing DPO or PO, suggesting that other components different from menthol might have contributed to the immediate perception of freshness. Results from the present work showed that emulsion formulation has a great effect on freshness perception, suggesting that different formulations should be considered and tested when developing refreshing cosmetics.
