Beauty in Baobab: a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Adansonia digitata seed oil

• Published in: Revista brasileira de farmacognosia 2017-01, Vol.27 (1), p.1-8
• Main Authors: Komane, Baatile M., Vermaak, Ilze, Kamatou, Guy P.P., Summers, Beverley, Viljoen, Alvaro M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adansonia digitata; Baobab; Cosmetic; Efficacy; Original Article; PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY; Pharmacy; Safety; Seed oil
• ISSN: 0102-695X; 1981-528X; 1981-528X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2016.07.001

[Display omitted] Recently there has been a renewed impetus in the search for novel ingredients to be used in the cosmetic industry and Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) seed oil has received high interest. In this study, a commercial Baobab seed oil sample was characterised (fatty acid content) using GCxGC-ToF-MS and a pilot study on the safety and efficacy of the seed oil was performed. The safety and efficacy of Baobab seed oil after topical application was determined using healthy adult female caucasian participants (n=20). A 2× magnifying lamp was used for visual analysis, while for monitoring and evaluation of the irritancy level, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration level of the skin, Chromameter®, Aquaflux® and Corneometer® instruments, respectively, were used. In addition, Aquaflux® and Corneometer® instruments were used to assess occlusive effects. Thirteen methyl esters were identified using GCxGC-ToF-MS. The major fatty acids included 36.0% linoleic acid, 25.1% oleic acid and 28.8% palmitic acid with 10.1% constituting trace fatty acids. The irritancy of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in the patch test differed significantly compared to both de-ionised water (p