Development of the emulsion base composition when creating the medicinal cosmetic product used in androgenetic alopecia

The 2014 study by I. O. Yarema and M. I. Feodorovska focused on the development of a medicinal cosmetic product for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia (AA). The researchers paid particular attention to plant-based substances like phytosterols and flavonoids, which inhibit the enzyme responsible for AA and improve skin circulation respectively. The study aimed to develop an emulsion containing a dry extract of Saw palmetto (rich in phytosterols) and the tincture of Japanese Sophora (source of flavonoids). The researchers considered 16 formulations of the emulsion bases with pumpkin seed oil as the oil phase. Emulsifiers and gelation agents were used as stabilisers. The study found that bases containing gelation agents like Carbopol, sodium alginate, and xanthan gum, and emulsifiers like Tween-20 and cetyl alcohol had optimal properties.