Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease outbreak in the sebaceous glands within the hair follicle. The proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes, formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) causes monocytes to stimulate secretion of inflammatory cytokines. A number of studies have been proposed the inhibitory effects of C. acnes and C. acnes-mediated inflammation by natural extracts. In this study, we investigated the efficiency of magnolia officinalis bark extract in anti-C. acnes and anti-inflammation effect. This superb extract is of magnolol and honokiol was extracted from magnolia officinalis bark, which showed strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this novel cosmetic ingredient (complex of magnolia officinalis bark extract and heptyl undecylenate) exhibits excellent anti-bacterial activity against C. acnes. In addition to its antibacterial properties, the anti-fungal reactivity on the surface of oil balm as well as the preservative boosting effect on oil formation were confirmed.
The desired properties of oil balm such as spreadability, absorption, moisturizing, film formation, and feeling were improved by its modification with the complex of magnolia officinalis bark extract and heptyl undecylenate. Furthermore, it has provided same sensory profile as observed for oil balm containing silicone oil. These excellent results are quite appealing, which suggest the new candidate for cosmetic ingredient that could be effective as anti-acne, that can be applicable to resolve the sensitive skin issues occurred due to the regular use of mask due to serious COVID-19 situation.