Upcoming research, to be published in Industrial Crops and Products, describes the application of a glycolic acid extract of Theobroma cacao L. (cocoa) bean for skin care applications.
According to the researchers, cocoa beans contain high levels of polyphenols and methylxanthines, and the synergistic interactions of these entities for human health benefits are unclear. In the present work, their potential for skin care benefits was explored.
A glycolic extract of cocoa beans was prepared and characterized. Amounts of methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) were identified by HPLC. Furthermore, HPLC/ESI-MS/MS showed the extract contained amino acids, proanthocyanidins and a rich flavonoid composition, including (-)-epicatechin.
The extract was then incorporated into an emulgel and microemulsion, which were extensively characterized. The authors concluded cocoa beans are a promising source of bioactive compounds for skin that could successfully be incorporated into topical formulas.
