Management of Seborrhea and Enlarged Pore Size with a Hydrogel Containing Ficus Fistulosa Extract

Background: Tannins are considered an important phytochemical used in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and are well-known for their astringent and antioxidant properties. Ficus fistulosa is a plant that grows in the Southern part of Thailand. Its fruits have an astringent taste, which might correlate with the presence of tannins.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogel containing F. fistulosa extract for controlling sebum.

Methods: First, the extract of F. fistulosa fruit was evaluated for its tannin content and astringent activity in vitro. Then it was formulated into a hydrogel in different concentrations. After, the safety and sebum-control efficacy of this hydrogel was tested in 10 healthy volunteers. The safety of this hydrogel was evaluated in volunteers using a closed patch test.

Results: The results of the first part of the study indicated that F. fistulosa extract contained 0.0359±0.0003mg of tannic acid equivalent per gram of extract, and its astringent activity was 87.45%±1.76%. When formulated into hydrogels of different concentrations, the results showed that the hydrogel containing 0.1% w/w had the highest stability profile. No irritation or allergy was observed. Separately, after usage twice per day for 28 consecutive days, the sebum content of the volunteers was decreased by -54.36%±13.71% relative to baseline.

Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that F. fistulosa fruit extract might be an effective active ingredient for use by the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry.