Anti-acne Effects and Mechanisms of Sophoricoside Isolated from Sophora japonica Fruit 회화나무 열매에서 분리한 Sophoricoside 의 항여드름 기전 연구
최원영 Won Yeoung Choi , 고현주 Hyun Ju Ko , 이형진 Hyoung Jin Lee , 김수지 Su Zi Kim , 김관보 Kwan Bo Kim , 이정노 Jung No Lee , 유화선 And Hwa Sun Ryu
52(2) 101-112, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.101
최원영 Won Yeoung Choi , 고현주 Hyun Ju Ko , 이형진 Hyoung Jin Lee , 김수지 Su Zi Kim , 김관보 Kwan Bo Kim , 이정노 Jung No Lee , 유화선 And Hwa Sun Ryu
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.101
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes)-induced activation of innate immunity plays a central pathogenic role. This study evaluated the anti-acne effects of sophoricoside, a natural isoflavone glycoside, using in vitro and ex vivo models. In RAW 264.7 cells, sophoricoside significantly suppressed NO and PGE2 production and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. Mechanistic studies revealed that sophoricoside inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK and p65 indicating suppression of key inflammatory signaling pathways. In HaCaT cells, sophoricoside also decreased the C. acnes-induced expression of cytokines and chemokines such as TSLP and TARC. Moreover, in the reconstructed skin model, sophoricoside reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8. Collectively, these findings suggest that sophoricoside exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating multiple C. acnes-related inflammatory pathways, supporting its potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient or therapeutic agent for acne-associated skin inflammation.
Key Words
sophoricoside, anti-acne, Cutibacterium acnes, anti-inflammatory effect
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Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Mixture of Red Ginseng, Rice Wine Lees, and Pomegranate 홍삼, 쌀지게미, 석류 혼합물의 항산화 및 항염증 효능 평가
이초연 Choyeon Lee , 김은영 Eun Yeong Kim , 김혜란 Hyeran Kim , 이선미 Sun-mi Lee , 이지혜 Jihye Lee
52(2) 113-124, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.113
이초연 Choyeon Lee , 김은영 Eun Yeong Kim , 김혜란 Hyeran Kim , 이선미 Sun-mi Lee , 이지혜 Jihye Lee
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.113
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a mixture of red ginseng, rice wine lees, and pomegranate extracts (RRP). Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and reducing power, and the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of RRP were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by measuring cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production, protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). The individual extracts composing RRP exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activities in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and reducing power, which were associated with their total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. In RAW 264.7 cells, RRP showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 500 μg/mL and significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, RRP suppressed the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 and significantly reduced IL-6 production. Based on these findings, RRP has been confirmed to exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is considered a promising natural ingredient with potential for use in functional foods or cosmetics.
Key Words
red ginseng, rice wine lees, pomegranate, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity
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A Comparative Evaluation of Skin-Related In Vitro Anti-Aging Efficacy of Haematococcus flavialis Extract and Astaxanthin Haematococcus pluvialis 추출물과 Astaxanthin 의 피부 관련 In Vitro 항노화 효능 비교 평가 연구
박홍범 Hongbeom Park , 김태양 Tae Yang Kim , 이춘몽 Chun Mong Lee , 이광식 Kwang Sik Lee
52(2) 125-134, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.125
박홍범 Hongbeom Park , 김태양 Tae Yang Kim , 이춘몽 Chun Mong Lee , 이광식 Kwang Sik Lee
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.125
Abstract
In this study, the skin-improving efficacy of Haematococcus flavialis extract (HPE), a microalgae, and astaxanthin, a major active ingredient, were evaluated. Human-derived keratinocytes (HaCaT), mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7), and mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) were used to perform various cell-based efficacy evaluations related to skin photoaging, pigmentation, inflammation, and wound recovery. As a result, HPE and astaxanthin did not show cytotoxicity in the experimental concentration range and significantly inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) induced by UVA. In addition, the production of melanin induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by the treatment of HPE and astaxanthin, and especially astaxanthin showed excellent whitening efficacy even at low concentrations. In RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipolysisaccharide (LPS), nitric oxide (NO) production was effectively inhibited, and anti-inflammatory efficacy was confirmed. In addition, it was confirmed that HPE and astaxanthin promote HaCaT cel l migration and wound recovery through scratch assay. Based on these results, Haematococcus flavialis extract and astaxanthin are highl y l ikely to be used as high-functional cosmetic materials having anti-photoaging, whitening, anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration effects.
Key Words
Haematococcus pluvialis, melanogenesis, skin regeneration, anti-photoaging, astaxanthin
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A Study on the Whitening Efficacy and Promotion of Melanosome Degradation via Autophagy Activation by Caprylamide MEA 카프릴아마이드엠이에이의 자가포식 활성에 의한 멜라노좀 분해 촉진 및 미백 효능 연구
최은비 Eun Bi Choi , 정유라 Yu Ra Jung , 박묘현 Myo Hyeon Park , 황정환 Jeonghwan Hwang , 박미영 And Miyoung Park
52(2) 135-144, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.135
최은비 Eun Bi Choi , 정유라 Yu Ra Jung , 박묘현 Myo Hyeon Park , 황정환 Jeonghwan Hwang , 박미영 And Miyoung Park
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.135
Abstract
This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the skin-whitening effects of Dualguard-7 (INCI name: Capryamide MEA, DG-7), a novel ceramide-derivative compound, with a focus on its ability to promote melanosome degradation via the autophagy pathway. In vitro analyses demonstrated that DG-7 did not affect tyrosinase activity but significantly reduced melanin production. In a 3D reconstructed human skin model (MelanoDerm™), DG-7 treatment significantly decreased melanin accumulation throughout the epidermis, particularly in the stratum corneum (SC). Mechanistic analyses revealed that DG-7 increased LC3B expression and decreased p62 accumulation, suggesting its involvement in135 the restoration of autophagic flux. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further showed the formation of autophagosomes engulfing melanosomes and their subsequent fusion with lysosomes, supporting the role of DG-7 in autophagy-mediated melanosome degradation. Additionally, under post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)-like conditions, DG-7 reduced the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-8, IL-1α, and IL-1β. In conclusion, DG-7 is believed to act based on a mechanism that promotes melanosome degradation through autophagy activation differentiated from the existing synthesis inhibition method, and exhibits strong whitening and anti-inflammatory activity even at low concentrations, suggesting the possibility of development as a high-functional whitening material.
Key Words
Dualguard-7, autophagy, skin whitening, melanosome degradation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate Ethanol Extract in Human Skin Keratinocytes 인간 피부 각질형성세포에서 석류 에탄올 추출물의 항산화 및 항염 효과
정예원
이창석 Yewon Jung
chang Seok Lee
52(2) 145-152, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.145
정예원
이창석 Yewon Jung
chang Seok Lee
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.145
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) is external environmental factors that penetrate the skin and cause inflammation, aging, and cell damage. Pomegranate is a fruit that helps suppress skin aging, whitening, and moisturizing inflammation. In this study, the inflammation relief, antioxidant activity, and cell protection effects of Punica granatum ethanol extraction (PEE) were evaluated in an ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin damage model. First, it was confirmed through qRT-PCR that UVB-induced gene expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in keratinocytes was reduced by treatment of PEE. In addition, it was confirmed through ELISA that UVB-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 was reduced by PEE treatment. In RAW 264.7 cells, it was confirmed that the NO production amount induced by LPS treatment was reduced by treatment of PEE, and finally, it was verified that it had an anti-inflammatory effect. Through DCF-DA assay, DPPH assay, and ABTS assay, it was confirmed that PEE not only protects cells from oxidative stress but also has free radical scavenging ability-based antioxidant activity of PEE. These results suggest that pomegranate extracts are highly likely to be used as natural cosmetic materials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Key Words
Punica granatum, UVB-irradiation, inflammation, oxidative stress, keratinocyte
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Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Byproduct Leaf Extract as a Functional Cosmetic Ingredient 고구마 부산물 잎 추출물의 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 효능 평가
장예진 Ye-jin Jang , 심아연 A-yeon Sim , 김세기 Se-gie Kim
52(2) 153-162, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.153
장예진 Ye-jin Jang , 심아연 A-yeon Sim , 김세기 Se-gie Kim
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.153
Abstract
Although Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) (L.) Lam leaves are a valuable resource containing large amounts of bioactive substances, only the roots are primarily consumed, and most of the leaves are discarded. In this study, antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial efficacy evaluations were performed to investigate the potential of I. batatas (L.) Lam. 70% ethanol extract (IBE) as a functional cosmetic ingredient. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were 161.46 TAE mg/g and 137.77 QE mg/g, respectively, and DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging activities, FRAP reducing power, SOD-like activity, and H2O2 scavenging activity demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity. Elastase and collagenase inhibitory activities suggested anti-wrinkle potential, while tyrosinase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities indicated whitening and anti-inflammatory potential, respectively. Antibacterial efficacy showed high antibacterial activity against four strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Based on the results of this study, we suggest that IBE has potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient for adding high value to agricultural byproducts.
Key Words
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., byproduct, antioxidant, antibacterial, functional cosmetics
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Evaluation of Formulation Stability and Analysis of Bioactivity Preservation Characteristics of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. By-product Leaf Extract 고구마 부산물 잎 추출물의 제형 안정성 평가 및 생리활성 유지 특성 분석
장예진 Ye-jin Jang , 심아연 A-yeon Sim , 김세기 Se-gie Kim
52(2) 163-172, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.163
장예진 Ye-jin Jang , 심아연 A-yeon Sim , 김세기 Se-gie Kim
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.163
Abstract
In this study, the formulation stability and efficacy preservation of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. leaves 70% ethanol extract (IBE) were evaluated. As a result of the experiment, the stability of the formulation containing IBE was confirmed, as no significant changes in physicochemical properties such as pH and viscosity were observed when stored for 60 days under various temperature and temperature cycling conditions. In addition, no unstable phenomena such as creaming and phase separation were observed in the visual evaluation, and the structural stability was maintained for 60 days under room temperature conditions as a result of particle observation through the microscope. To measure the preservation characteristics of the antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and whitening biological activities of IBE (L-IBE, C-IBE) applied to the formulation, the efficacy of the formulation was measured after storing it at room temperature for 30 days. As a result, when compared to the results measured by refrigerating IBE alone, a similar trend was observed, confirming that overall physiological activity was maintained. Therefore, IBE was found to consistently maintain its antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and skin-brightening effects even after formulation, and is considered to have high potential for use as a functional cosmetic ingredient derived from agricultural byproducts.
Key Words
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., byproduct, antioxidant, formulation stability, bioactivity retention
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Anti-inflammatory, Anti-glycation, Whitening, and Skin Barrier Improving Effects of Exosome-like Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Cornus officinalis Fruit 산수유 열매 유래 엑소좀 유사 세포외 소포의 항염, 항당화, 미백 및 피부장벽 개선 효과
김예린 Yerin Kim , 김유진 Yujin Kim , 김진홍 Jin Hong Kim , 김대건 Daegun Kim , 김보라 Bora Kim
52(2) 173-182, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.173
김예린 Yerin Kim , 김유진 Yujin Kim , 김진홍 Jin Hong Kim , 김대건 Daegun Kim , 김보라 Bora Kim
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.173
Abstract
In this study, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, skin-whitening, and skin barrier-enhancing effects of exosome-like extracellular vesicles derived from Cornus officinalis (C. officinalis) fruit (CFEVs) were evaluated in comparison with C. officinalis fruit extract (CF) to assess their potential as natural cosmetic ingredients. CFEVs exhibited superior free radical scavenging activity compared to CF, along with higher total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. When evaluating the inhibitory activity against the glycosylation reaction producing one of the hallmarks of aging, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), CFEVs exhibited about twice the inhibitory activity compared to CF. Furthermore, the binding affinity of CFEVs to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was approximately twice higher than that of CF, and CFEVs demonstrated about fourfold greater efficacy in promoting cornified envelope formation. In addition, CFEVs more effectively inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and suppressed the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), compared to CF. CFEVs also inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin production. These findings suggest that exosome-like extracellular vesicles derived from C. officinalis fruit have strong potential as multifunctional natural ingredients for cosmetic applications, particularly in skin whitening and skin barrier enhancement.
Key Words
Cornus officinalis fruit, extracellular vesicles, exosome, skin whitening, skin barrier improvement
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A Study on the Changes in Potency and Maintenance of Preservative Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid in Solubilized Cosmetics 가용화 화장품 내 아스코빅애씨드의 역가 변화와 보존력 유지에 관한 연구
이예지 Ye Ji Lee , 양현갑 Hyun Gab Yang , 서재용 Jae Yong Seo , 김희용 Hee Yong Kim , 최영진 Yeong Jin Choi
52(2) 183-192, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.183
이예지 Ye Ji Lee , 양현갑 Hyun Gab Yang , 서재용 Jae Yong Seo , 김희용 Hee Yong Kim , 최영진 Yeong Jin Choi
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.183
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the decline in the potency of ascorbic acid in cosmetic toner formulations over time and at different storage temperatures on the preservative efficacy of the products. To evaluate the antimicrobial effects of the ingredients applied to the formulation, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the raw materials were determined via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) assays against five microbial strains (three bacteria, one yeast, and one mold). Preservative efficacy testing of the ascorbic acid-infused toner formulation was performed in accordance with the international organization for standardization (ISO) 11930 (2019) guidelines, and quantitative analysis for tracking content trends was conducted using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At high concentrations of 200 mg/mL or more, ascorbic acid exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all five tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the addition of ascorbic acid to the toner formulation lowered the pH, which inhibited microbial growth and enhanced the overall preservative effect. It was confirmed that, although the ascorbic acid content in the toner formulation decreased over time, the preservative efficacy of the cosmetic actually increased. This is believed to be due to dihydroascorbic acid―an oxidation product of ascorbic acid―which possesses antimicrobial properties and thus contributes to the product’s preservative efficacy.
Key Words
cosmetics, preservative efficacy, microbial, quantitative analysis, ascorbic acid
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Development and Characterization of MPD/Pullulan-Based Skin-Adhesive Nanocarriers for Cosmetic Applications 피부 부착성 향상을 위한 MPD/Pullulan 기반 나노전달체의 제조 및 화장품 적용 특성
임상진 Sang Jin Lim , 부이덕화이트엉 Hoai-thuong Duc Bui , 유혁상 Hyuk Sang Yoo , 이준배 Jun Bae Lee , 유정진 Jeoung Jin Ryu
52(2) 193-204, 2026
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.193
임상진 Sang Jin Lim , 부이덕화이트엉 Hoai-thuong Duc Bui , 유혁상 Hyuk Sang Yoo , 이준배 Jun Bae Lee , 유정진 Jeoung Jin Ryu
DOI:10.15230/SCSK.2026.52.2.193
Abstract
As the population ages, the management of skin odor in older adults is becoming increasingly important in the cosmetic field, and delivery technologies are required to retain age-related odor care ingredients on the skin for longer periods. In this study, skin-adhesive nanocarriers were prepared using a lipid composition of ceramide NP, cholesterol, and hydrogenated lecithin, with methylpropanediol (MPD) and polymers that may improve adhesion, and their applicability to cosmetic formulations was evaluated. The MPD#2 formulation containing 0.3% pullulan maintained a particle size of 131.5 nm and a stable appearance after 4 weeks, and spherical nanostructures were observed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). In the artificial membrane washing test, MPD#2 showed higher retention than MPD#3 and the lowest fluorescence signal in the wash solution, indicating superior washing resistance. In the primary irritation test, the formulations were also classified in the low-irritation category. These results suggest that MPD/Pullulan-based nanocarriers can be used as a delivery platform to improve skin adhesion and persistence in cosmetics for older adults.
Key Words
skin-adhesive nanocarrier, methylpropanediol, pullulan, wash-off test, cosmetic delivery system
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