Izabela Nowak

The developing chemical industry increasingly emphasizes environmentally friendly products. As consumers’ environmental awareness grows, so do their expectations of cleaning products, which must not only maintain high cleaning efficacy but also be safe for both humans and the environment. However, previous studies have not evaluated biodegradability potential alongside chemical integrity, preservation efficacy, packaging stability, interfacial performance, and consumer acceptance within a unified framework. The aim of this study was to analyze two proprietary formulations of car shampoo concentrates. Both products were assessed for basic physicochemical parameters and analyzed using chromatographic techniques, which revealed no presence of by-products or harmful substances. Subsequently, compatibility tests were conducted with PET bottles, monitoring mass loss, pH, viscosity, turbidity, and fluorescent polymer content over several months. In addition, surface tension analysis was performed using the Wilhelmy plate method, and biodegradability tests were conducted in accordance with OECD 301B in an aquatic environment, yielding 100% potential biodegradation results for both shampoos. Finally, a consumer analysis was also carried out, based on which a formulation with more favorable performance properties was selected. The integrated results provide system-level evidence that environmental performance can coexist with formulation robustness and consumer usability.

Retinol, a bioactive small molecule of the vitamin A family, contributes epidermal and dermal tissue repair through retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) receptor-mediated transcriptional regulation of keratinocyte differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and barrier restoration. However, the relationship between applied concentration, tissue-level regenerative outcomes, and tolerability remains incompletely characterized. This prospective, randomized, single-blind study compared biophysical effects and tolerance of two retinol concentrations in EU-compliant facial creams, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-verified as 0.104% and 0.247% (w/w). Thirty-eight women aged 40–61 years (Fitzpatrick phototypes II–III) participated across three independent sub-studies: 28 were randomized to either concentration for 12 weeks; 5 underwent split-face ultrasound imaging (0.247% versus retinol-free control) for 8 weeks; and 5 participated in a tape stripping sub-study quantifying stratum corneum interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) by ELISA before and after 6 weeks of 0.247% retinol treatment. Main cohort assessments included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, melanin, erythema, pH, sebum, biomechanical parameters, and wrinkle grading. Both concentrations significantly improved barrier parameters—hydration, TEWL, brightness, pH, and sebum—with no inter-group differences. In the ultrasound sub-group, 0.247% retinol increased epidermal thickness (+12.4 μm), epidermal density (+3.84%), and dermal density (+1.81%) versus control, consistent with ECM reorganization and epidermal stratification. Biomechanical parameters showed no significant changes, consistent with retinol’s remodeling timeline. Consumer assessment indicated comparable efficacy; 0.247% demonstrated superior smoothing but higher erythema incidence. In the tape stripping sub-study, IL-1α decreased in all participants (median: 25.1 → 13.2 picograms per tape [pg/Tape]; 5/5 concordant), while IL-1ra increased in 4/5 participants (median: 352.8 → 1403.1 picograms per three sequential tapes [pg/3sT]), indicating a directionally consistent shift in the IL-1α/IL-1ra balance; these results are exploratory and require replication in larger cohorts. These findings collectively support clinically meaningful barrier restoration and structural remodeling within current EU safety limits (Commission Regulation EU 2024/996), with 0.104% offering a favorable efficacy-to-tolerability profile for initial therapy.

Background: This study evaluates short-term skin compatibility and biophysical changes in new cosmetic preparations containing PRF and EGF, conducted through in vivo studies. Material and Methods: The study involved 20 healthy volunteers (aged 20–40) who received three identically packaged creams to be applied for a period of four weeks to specific facial areas: formulation 1: base formulation (control); formulation 2: base formulation human epidermal growth factor (EGF) loaded; and formulation 3: base formulation platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) loaded. Skin assessments were conducted at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, and 4. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration using corneometry to determine the moisture content of the stratum corneum, skin elasticity using a cutometer to measure the skin’s ability to return to its original state after deformation, and dermal bioavailability were measured. EGF concentration in the stratum corneum will be measured using the tape-stripping method followed by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis. Results: A significant decrease in TEWL was observed for all tested formulations (24%, 37%, and 34%, for formulations 1, 2, and 3, respectively), indicating improved skin barrier function. Formulation 3 showed the highest increase in skin hydration (by 95%), followed by formulation 2. Both formulations 2 and 3 demonstrated improvements in skin elasticity, with formulation 3 showing the greatest enhancement. EGF concentration in the stratum corneum increased over the four-week period, reaching equilibrium with the product concentration by week four. Conclusions: The in vivo instrumental compatibility studies confirmed that the new cosmetic formulations were well tolerated and associated with short-term improvement in selected skin parameters.

Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is best known for its application in the brewing industry; however, growing scientific interest has revealed its high content of natural antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds exhibit pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, positioning hops as a promising plant-derived ingredient for cosmetic use. The present study evaluates the antioxidant properties of Humulus lupulus L. (HL) extract and cosmetic formulations loaded with hop-based active substances. Antioxidant capacity was determined using ABTS, Folin–Ciocâlteu, and FRAP methods. The hop extract showed limited free radical scavenging activity and reducing power; however, these results still confirm its antioxidant potential. Importantly, cosmetic emulsions enriched with the HL extract maintained substantial antioxidant activity, demonstrating successful incorporation and stability of the bioactive compounds within the formulations. Physicochemical stability tests, including pH monitoring and visual evaluation during storage, indicated good stability under different conditions. In vivo studies confirmed the effectiveness of cosmetics containing HL extracts as natural anti-irritant agents, demonstrated by a 10% reduction in erythema after a three-week application period. These findings provide evidence supporting the use of Humulus lupulus L. in the development of plant-based cosmetic products designed to improve the health of skin prone to irritation.

Synthetic surfactants are currently the most commonly used agents in human cosmetics and household chemicals. However, there are increasingly frequent reports of cases showing the negative impact of these surfactants on human skin. Out of concern for users, many companies, including those originating in the automotive chemicals industry, are increasingly turning to surfactants that are more dermatologically friendly and non-toxic to the environment. The following study aimed to examine two custom-developed car shampoo concentrates based on highly biodegradable raw materials and to analyse their impact on selected skin parameters. The research included semi-contact patch tests and in vivo instrumental tests on a group of volunteers, measuring the following parameters: skin moisturising, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, roughness, smoothness, and skin scaliness. Both products showed very good dermatological tolerance, without causing drastic or long-lasting changes in selected skin parameters. The results of the tests confirmed that both car products can represent a safe alternative for everyday use, in accordance with the principles of green chemistry.

Environmental protection has become one of the key challenges of our time. This has led to an increase in pro-environmental activities in the field of cosmetics and household chemicals, where manufacturers are increasingly trying to meet the expectations of consumers who are aware of the potential risks associated with the production of cosmetics and household chemistry products. This is one of the most important challenges of today’s industry, given that some of the raw materials still commonly used, such as surfactants, may be toxic to aquatic organisms. Many companies are choosing to use natural raw materials that have satisfactory performance properties but are also environmentally friendly. In addition, modern products are also characterized by reduced consumption of water, resources, and energy in production processes. These measures reduce the carbon footprint and reduce the amount of plastic packaging required. In the present study, seven formulations of environmentally friendly car shampoo concentrates were developed, based entirely on mixtures of bio-based surfactants. The developed formulations were tested for application on the car body surface, allowing the selection of the two best products. For these selected formulations, an in-depth physicochemical analysis was carried out, including pH, density, and viscosity measurements. Comparison of the results with commercial products available on the market was also performed. Additionally, using the multiple light scattering method, the foamability and foam stability were determined for the car shampoos developed. The results obtained indicate the very high application potential of the products under study, which combine high performance and environmental concerns.

Nb-Sn, V-Sn mixed-metal oxides and Nb-Si, V-Si metal oxide–silicas were successfully synthesized through a “soft” templating method, in which appropriate amounts of metal salts (either niobium(V) chloride, or vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate or tin(II) chloride dihydrate) or tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were mixed with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HDTA) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions to obtain a new series of mesoporous oxides, followed by calcination at different temperatures. As-obtained samples were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and UV-Vis spectra techniques. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange II (MO) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The effects of metal species and calcination temperature on the physicochemical characteristic and photocatalytic activity of the samples were investigated in detail. The results indicated that, compared to pure oxides, mixed-metal oxide showed superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of MO. A maximum photocatalytic discoloration rate of 97.3% (with MO initial concentration of 0.6·10⁻⁴ mol/dm³) was achieved in 300 min with the NbSiOx material, which was much higher than that of Degussa P25 under the same conditions. Additionally, the samples were tested in the photochemical oxidation process, i.e., advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to treat the commercial non-ionic surfactant: propylene oxide ethylene oxide polymer mono(nonylphenyl) ether (N8P7, PCC Rokita). A maximum of 99.9% photochemical degradation was achieved in 30 min with the NbSiOx material.

Dissolution of a poorly soluble active pharmacological substance in a drug carrier usually requires advanced techniques and production equipment. The use of novel carriers such as microemulsions, vesicles, or nanocarriers might entail various limitations concerning production cost, formulation stability, or active substance capacity. In this paper, we present a novel fumed silica-based organogel as a low-cost, simple preparation drug or cosmetic carrier with interesting rheological properties and high solubilization capacity. The objective of the study was to characterize the utility aspects of the new dermatological base with special emphasis on stability, rheology, and release studies. Various formulations of a silica organogel base with poorly soluble active pharmacological substances such as propolis or ibuprofen were prepared and tested. The studies of thermal stress, enforced syneresis, and long-term stability were performed along with analyses of rheological profiles of alkali-dependent sol–gel transformation and organogel release. The new drug vehicle shows high thermodynamic stability, thixotropic rheology and first-order release profile. Such properties are promising for commercial utility as a dermatologically applied base for poorly soluble substances.

Background: Honey is widely recognized for its potential benefits in skincare, yet its incorporation into formulations is challenging due to its stickiness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hand creams with varying concentrations of multifloral honey (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w) on skin parameters and to assess their application characteristics. Methods: A total of 24 volunteers were divided into two groups, each receiving a blinded pair of creams (0%/10% or 5%/15% honey) to apply on their left and right hands. Instrumental methods (Corneometer^®, Tewameter^®, Cutometer^®, Visioscan^®, and Visioline^®) were used to measure skin parameters at the baseline, 15 min after the first application, and after 4 weeks of regular use. Sensory characteristics were evaluated through participant questionnaires. Results: After 4 weeks, honey-infused creams showed notable improvements in skin moisturization (up to 29.7%), smoothness (up to 21.3%), wrinkle area reduction (up to 21.4%), and mean wrinkle depth reduction (up to 11.7%). Among these, the increases in moisturization and reductions in wrinkle depth were statistically significant compared to the placebo. The sensory evaluations revealed no significant differences between formulations, highlighting the vehicle’s effectiveness in minimizing the stickiness typically associated with honey. Conclusions: This study highlights the efficacy of honey-enriched hand creams in enhancing skin parameters over time while maintaining favorable sensory characteristics. These findings support the use of honey in dermatological formulations and provide insights into overcoming its formulation challenges.

The article presents the history and significance of the Curie method, used by Marie and Pierre Curie to measure radioactivity, with attention to the role of instruments such as the ionization chamber, electrometer, and piezoelectric quartz. It discusses the challenges of popularizing knowledge about these complex devices and the contribution of the digital comic „The Curie Method” in making these concepts more accessible and understandable. The project, completed in 2019, supports education at both museum and international levels, with publications in French, and English, and from 2024, also in Polish