Exploring the predictive power of chemiluminescence method in determining the antioxidant activity of plant extracts in cosmetic formulations

There is an increasing demand for natural ingredients in cosmetics, which has led to the consideration of plant extracts as antioxidants. Their standardisation requires an accurate and reproducible method for the assessment of antioxidant activity, both in pure form and in cosmetic formulations. In addition, it would be of practical importance for cosmetic formulators if they could predict the antioxidant activity of the final formulation on the basis of the known activity of its ingredients.

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of the chemiluminescence method known as ABEL® (Analysis by Emitted Light) by assessing the antioxidant activity of a range of ingredients on their own and in the o/w cosmetic emulsion.