A plant essential oil and uses thereof, microemulsion gel

Abstract

The application discloses a plant essential oil and application thereof, and a microemulsion gel, and belongs to the technical field of cosmetic production, and relates to a plant essential oil, wherein the plant essential oil is a mixture of sweet orange essential oil, myrtle essential oil, pine cone essential oil and magnolia essential oil, and the mass ratio of the sweet orange essential oil, the myrtle essential oil, the pine cone essential oil and the magnolia essential oil is 2.5-5:0.2-4:1.2-5:1-5. The application improves the whitening capacity of the essential oil by mixing the essential oils of various plants, and obtains an environmentally-friendly whitening plant essential oil based on natural plant components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of cosmetic manufacturing technology, and more specifically, relates to a plant essential oil and its uses, and a microemulsion gel. Background Technology

[0002] Plant essential oils are natural aromatic substances extracted from the flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and other parts of plants. Compared to synthetic fragrances, essential oils are more natural, have fewer side effects, and are generally less likely to cause allergic reactions, making them suitable for all skin types, especially consumers sensitive to chemical additives.

[0003] Essential oils are not only carriers of fragrance, but also highly effective active ingredients. They have natural antibacterial and preservative properties, which can inhibit the growth of skin bacteria. They are often used in acne treatment products or as natural preservatives. They are also rich in antioxidants (such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), which can neutralize free radicals, slow down skin aging, and improve fine lines. Some essential oils can also soothe the skin, relieve redness and irritation, and improve skin comfort.

[0004] Furthermore, essential oils have a unique molecular structure that makes them easily absorbed by the skin. This characteristic not only makes their effects more direct and rapid, but also allows them to penetrate deep into the skin to regulate sebum secretion, balance oil production, and improve skin texture. Essential oils also possess rich layers of aroma, which can significantly enhance the user experience of cosmetics.

[0005] Furthermore, essential oils are widely available and their extraction processes are mature, aligning with the green and environmentally friendly principles of sustainable development. In today's world, where consumers are increasingly focused on health and safety, plant essential oils are an ideal choice for cosmetic companies to achieve "green formulations."

[0006] KR1020130049314 discloses a cosmetic composition containing juniper extract or juniper berries as an active ingredient. The specification states that "the composition containing juniper extract as an active ingredient has excellent inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity, MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase protein expression and mRNA expression in melanoma cells, and can provide a whitening cosmetic composition with further enhanced effects."

[0007] It is evident that the whitening ability of juniper berry extract has been studied in existing technologies;

[0008] Furthermore, the whitening abilities of sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, or magnolia essential oil have been tested and developed to varying degrees in existing technologies. However, no existing technologies have been found to have attempted to combine juniper berry essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, and magnolia essential oil in combination.

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is: how to develop a blend of plant essential oils obtained by compounding multiple plant essential oils. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this application is to provide a blend of plant essential oils obtained by combining multiple plant essential oils, and to enhance the whitening ability of the essential oils through the blending of multiple plant essential oils, so as to obtain a whitening plant essential oil that is both environmentally friendly and based on natural plant ingredients.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this solution provides a plant essential oil, which is a mixture of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil, wherein the mass ratio of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil is 2.5-5:0.2-4:1.2-5:1-5.

[0012] Furthermore, Brazilian sweet orange essential oil is rich in active substances such as limonene, myrcene, and citronellol, which can effectively scavenge active substances such as DPPH free radicals and have good antioxidant capacity.

[0013] Geranium essential oil is rich in methylcinnamyl alcohol and cinnamyl alcohol, which can neutralize free radicals by releasing hydrogen atoms through a continuous hydrogen atom transfer mechanism;

[0014] Juniper berry essential oil contains α-pinene and other monoterpenoids, exhibiting good free radical scavenging ability. It can scavenge superoxide free radicals and hydrogen peroxide free radicals, and inhibit lipid peroxidation through chain termination reaction.

[0015] Magnolia flower essential oil is rich in linalool, citronellol, linalool, etc., which can donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to reactive oxygen species, thereby deactivating them.

[0016] This application further demonstrates that by using the above four essential oils in combination, the ability to inhibit tyrosinase is effectively enhanced compared to using a single essential oil, resulting in a good synergistic effect.

[0017] Preferably, the mass ratio of the Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil is 2.5-5:0.2-1:1.2-2.5:1-3.3.

[0018] In addition, this application also discloses the use of plant essential oils in preparing whitening products as described above.

[0019] In addition, this application also discloses a microemulsion gel containing the aforementioned plant essential oils.

[0020] Preferably, it is prepared by the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Mix Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil with a solvent to obtain the oil phase;

[0022] Step 2: Mix the oil phase with the surfactant and co-surfactant, and then add deionized water dropwise to the system until the system changes from turbid to clear, thus obtaining a microemulsion;

[0023] Step 3: Add the microemulsion to the carbomer dispersion and stir. Then adjust the pH to 6.0-7.0, let it stand to remove bubbles, and obtain the microemulsion gel.

[0024] Preferably, the surfactant is selected from at least one of Tween 40, Tween 60, and Tween 80;

[0025] The co-surfactant is selected from at least one of anhydrous ethanol, propylene glycol, and glycerin;

[0026] The solvent in step 1 is selected from at least one of caprylic / capric triglyceride, olive oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil.

[0027] Preferably, the ratio of the total mass of the Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil to the mass of the solvent is 0.8–1.2:0.8–1.2.

[0028] The mass ratio of oil phase to surfactant and co-surfactant is 1-2:6-12:3-6;

[0029] The mass ratio of the oil phase to the water phase is 1:4 to 9.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0031] This application enhances the whitening ability of essential oils by using a mixture of various plant essential oils, resulting in an environmentally friendly whitening plant essential oil based on natural plant ingredients;

[0032] Furthermore, this application screened four plant essential oils from a large number of plant essential oils through experiments, and found during the experiment that when the above four essential oils were used in combination, they showed a good synergistic effect in terms of tyrosinase inhibition ability. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is the pseudo-ternary phase diagram when the Km test value is 1:1 in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 2 This is the pseudo-ternary phase diagram when the Km test value is 2:1 in Example 2;

[0035] Figure 3 This is the pseudo-ternary phase diagram when the Km test value is 3:1 in Example 2;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram for Example 2 when Tween 40 is used as an emulsifier;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram when Tween 60 is used as an emulsifier in Example 2;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram for Example 2 when Tween 80 is used as an emulsifier;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram for Example 2 when olive oil is used as an emulsifier;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram when grape seed oil is used as an emulsifier in Example 2;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram for Example 2 when jojoba oil is used as an emulsifier;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a pseudo-ternary phase diagram when GTCC is used as an emulsifier in Example 2;

[0043] Figure 11 Typical image of melanin signal intensity in the head of zebrafish after sample processing;

[0044] Figure 12 A histogram of melanin signal intensity in the head of zebrafish after sample processing;

[0045] Figure 13 A bar graph showing the tyrosinase activity of zebrafish after 48 h of sample treatment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be clearly and completely described in conjunction with embodiments thereof. It should be noted that, unless specific conditions are specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available conventional products.

[0047] Juniper berry essential oil was purchased from Yingu Fragrance Technology Co., Ltd.

[0048] Brazilian sweet orange essential oil was purchased from Yingu Aroma Technology Co., Ltd.

[0049] The geranium essential oil was purchased from Yingu Aroma Technology Co., Ltd.

[0050] Magnolia oil was purchased from Yingu Fragrance Technology Co., Ltd.

[0051] Part One

[0052] Selection and blending of plant essential oils

[0053] The inhibitory effect of essential oils on tyrosinase activity was investigated through an in vitro tyrosinase activity inhibition experiment.

[0054] Phosphate buffer solution with pH 6.8 was prepared using the tyrosine dopa oxidation method and stored at 4°C for later use. Accurately weigh 0.1359 g of L-tyrosine into a beaker, add 5-10 drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and approximately 30 mL of water. Dissolve the tyrosine by slow heating on a hot plate. Then, adjust the pH to 7.0 by adding sodium hydroxide solution dropwise, and bring the volume to 100 mL with deionized water to prepare a 7.5 mmol / L solution. -1 Tyrosine solution. Prepare a 100 U / mL tyrosinase solution, store at 4°C, prepare fresh and use within 4 hours.

[0055] In the reaction system, the concentration of the test solution (sample) is based on the actual reaction concentration in the system. Phosphate buffer, the test solution, and the enzyme solution are added sequentially to a 96-well plate. The reaction is carried out at 37°C for 10 min, followed by the addition of L-tyrosine and a further 20 min of reaction. The absorbance is measured at 475 nm, and the tyrosinase inhibition rate of the sample is calculated using Equation 1.

[0056] Formula 1

[0057] In Equation 1: A and B are the absorbance of the blank control and the test sample at a wavelength of 475 nm, respectively.

[0058] During the testing process, individual tyrosinase inhibition tests were conducted on juniper berry essential oil, Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, magnolia essential oil, and geranium essential oil, as well as tests on the tyrosinase inhibition capacity after blending, in order to evaluate the effect of different mass ratios on the whitening ability of plant essential oils.

[0059] The specific method for preparing the test solution is as follows: the plant essential oil is dissolved in caprylic / capric triglyceride as a solvent to obtain a solution containing the plant essential oil as the sample test solution. In the following examples, the total concentration of the plant essential oil is 0.08 g / L, and the only difference is the mass ratio between the plant essential oils.

[0060] Table 1: Mass ratio configuration and test results of plant essential oils in each embodiment and comparative example

[0061] Group Brazilian sweet orange essential oil Geranium essential oil Juniper berry essential oil Magnolia flower essential oil Tyrosinase inhibition rate / % Example 1 5 0.2 1.2 1 31.23 Example 2 2.5 4 5 5 28.61 Example 3 4 2 3 3 33.89 Example 4 3 1 2 2 46.26 Example 5 3 0.2 2 2 41.62 Example 6 3 2 2 2 35.41 Example 7 3 1 1.2 2 38.69 Example 8 3 1 2.5 2 40.28 Example 9 3 1 4 2 32.45 Example 10 3 1 2 1 37.90 Example 11 3 1 2 3.3 36.38 Example 12 3 1 2 4 32.93 Comparative Example 1 3 0 0 0 23.68 Comparative Example 2 0 1 0 0 10.97 Comparative Example 3 0 0 2 0 18.65 Comparative Example 4 0 0 0 2 15.98 Comparative Example 5 3 1 0 2 27.46

[0062] Results analysis:

[0063] First, observing the experimental groups 1-4, it can be seen that at the same concentration, Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil all have a certain degree of tyrosinase inhibition ability. However, it can be seen that the tyrosinase inhibition ability of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil is better than that of other plant essential oils.

[0064] Further observation of Examples 1-12 shows that when the four plant essential oils are blended, Examples 1-12 all show a certain degree of improvement compared to any one of Comparative Examples 1-4.

[0065] Careful observation of Comparative Examples 1-4 reveals that Brazilian sweet orange essential oil exhibits relatively high tyrosinase inhibitory activity among the four, but its tyrosinase inhibition rate is only 23.68%.

[0066] When the four essential oils were blended, even in Example 2, which had the worst effect, the tyrosinase inhibition rate was higher than that in Comparative Example 1.

[0067] Furthermore, when the mass ratio of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil was 3:1:2:2, i.e. Example 4, the tyrosinase inhibitory ability of the mixed plant essential oils was superior to that of the other experimental groups, and it was much higher than that of any of the comparative examples 1-4.

[0068] Furthermore, observations of Example 4 and Comparative Examples 1-5 show that, firstly, observations of Comparative Examples 1-2 and 4-5 show that, without the addition of juniper berry essential oil, the tyrosinase inhibition rate of Comparative Example 5 is higher than that of any of Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 4. This indicates that the combined use of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, and magnolia essential oil has a certain synergistic effect. However, when juniper berry essential oil is added, the tyrosinase inhibition ability of Example 4 is significantly improved compared to Comparative Example 5.

[0069] It is evident that although juniper berry essential oil itself does not have a strong ability to inhibit tyrosinase, its overall antioxidant capacity is significantly enhanced when added to a blended essential oil system.

[0070] In summary, the four plant essential oils have a good synergistic effect when mixed to enhance the inhibitory capacity of tyrosinase. On the other hand, when the mass ratio of the four plant essential oils is 3:1:2:2, the synergistic effect is significantly enhanced, and the tyrosinase inhibition rate has a significant advantage.

[0071] Part Two: Preparation of Essential Oil Microemulsion Hydrogels and Optimization of Raw Material Selection

[0072] 2.1 Preparation of essential oil microemulsion hydrogels (all steps were performed at a temperature of 20-25℃)

[0073] Step 1: Weigh 1g of the best essential oil combination of Example 4, i.e., the compound plant essential oil prepared in Example 4, and mix it with 1g of GTCC. Use magnetic stirring (600±100rpm) to mix evenly and obtain a homogeneous oil phase.

[0074] Step 2: Add 2g of oil phase to the mixture prepared by 12g Tween-80 and 6g anhydrous ethanol, stir well, and finally add 30g of deionized water to the system to obtain a microemulsion.

[0075] Step 3: With a final concentration of 0.6 wt% in the gel, add 0.6 g of carbomer to 49.4 g of deionized water and disperse it at a speed of 200 ± 50 rpm to obtain a carbomer dispersion. Let it stand and swell for 24 hours.

[0076] Step 4: Slowly add 50g of microemulsion to 50g of carbomer dispersion and stir at low speed (200±50rpm) until uniform; add 10wt% triethanolamine solution (TEA) to adjust the pH to 6.0, let stand to remove bubbles, and a transparent microemulsion hydrogel is obtained.

[0077] 2.2 Optimization for Km value

[0078] First, fix the oil phase as GTCC, the surfactant as Tween 80, and the auxiliary surfactant as anhydrous ethanol. Test Km = 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, draw 3 phase diagrams, and select the optimal Km.

[0079] 2.3 Optimization of Surfactant Selection

[0080] With the oil phase GTCC, anhydrous ethanol, and Km value fixed, different surfactants (Tween 40, Tween 60, and Tween 80) were tested.

[0081] 2.4 Optimization of oil phase solvent selection

[0082] The GTCC used in the preparation of the transparent microemulsion hydrogel was replaced sequentially with olive oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil.

[0083] Finally, the experimental data was used to draw a pseudo-ternary phase diagram in Origin software. See the attached document for details. Figure 1-10 :

[0084] By using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, the optimal surfactant, oil phase, and co-surfactant are screened by comparing the size of the microemulsion region, thereby optimizing the formulation.

[0085] The results showed that the pseudo-ternary phase diagram area was the largest when GTCC was used as the oil phase; the pseudo-ternary phase diagram area was the largest when Tween-80 was used as the surfactant; in the screening experiment of the km ratio (surfactant / co-surfactant), the pseudo-ternary phase diagram results showed that the pseudo-ternary phase diagram area was the largest when km=2:1; that is, the microemulsion state prepared under this ratio was the best.

[0086] In summary, the optimal preparation conditions for the selected compound essential oil microemulsion of Brazilian sweet orange, magnolia, juniper berry, and bay leaf are as follows: GTCC is used as the oil phase, anhydrous ethanol is used as the co-surfactant, Tween-80 is used as the surfactant, and Km = 2:1.

[0087] 2.5 Hydrogel Process Optimization

[0088] Carbomer was used as the gel matrix. The effects of carbomer mass fractions of 0.1 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, and 1.0 wt% on the viscosity, spreadability, flowability, and appearance of essential oil gels were investigated.

[0089] Experimental results showed that when the dosage was 0.6wt%, the gel was clear and transparent, and its spreadability and viscosity were most suitable when applied.

[0090] In addition, this application also attempts to prepare microemulsion hydrogels using the following two methods:

[0091] Method 1: The preparation method is basically the same as in section 2.1 (Preparation of essential oil microemulsion hydrogel), except that steps 3-4 are as follows:

[0092] Step 3: Disperse carbomer in deionized water to prepare a dispersion with a carbomer mass fraction of 0.6 wt%, and let it stand for 24 hours to swell;

[0093] Step 4: Then add 50g of carbomer dispersion to 50g of microemulsion while stirring. Then add triethanolamine (TEA) to adjust the pH to 6.0. Let stand to remove bubbles to obtain the control microemulsion hydrogel 1.

[0094] Method 2: The preparation method is basically the same as in Part 2.1 (Preparation of Essential Oil Microemulsion Hydrogel), except that step 4 is omitted, and only step 3 is included. Step 3 specifically involves:

[0095] Step 3: Sprinkle 0.6g of carbomer evenly on the surface of a mixture of 50g microemulsion and 49.4g deionized water, then add triethanolamine (TEA) to adjust the pH to 6.0, let stand to defoam, and obtain the control microemulsion hydrogel 2.

[0096] The experiment found that the microemulsion hydrogel prepared in section 2.1 (preparation of essential oil microemulsion hydrogel) had better clarity and transparency, and the spreadability and viscosity were most suitable when applied.

[0097] Part Three: In vivo experiments

[0098] 3.1 Detection Principle

[0099] Detection principle: Utilizing the transparent nature of zebrafish embryos, the regular development of melanocytes, and the highly conserved melanin synthesis regulatory pathways compared to humans, the intensity and distribution area of ​​melanin signals in the zebrafish head are quantitatively detected using fluorescence or bright-field imaging. This directly reflects the overall inhibitory effect of the test sample on melanin production, transport, and deposition in vivo. Simultaneously, the activity changes of the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis (tyrosinase) are measured to determine whether the sample blocks the melanin synthesis pathway by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Combining phenotypic changes in melanin deposition with enzymatic molecular mechanisms, the skin-whitening efficacy of the test sample is comprehensively evaluated.

[0100] 3.2 Materials and Methods

[0101] Animal husbandry and treatment: Adult zebrafish were housed in a recirculating aquaculture system at a temperature maintained at 28°C, with a photocycle of 14 hours (h) light / 10 hours (h) darkness. They were fed three times daily. To obtain embryos, sexually mature zebrafish were paired at a 1:1 female-to-male ratio at night and separated by a baffle. The baffle was removed within one hour of the start of the next photocycle to allow for natural spawning. The collected embryos were placed in a 1 × E3 solution (10 cm diameter petri dish) containing 0.3 ppm methylene blue and cultured in a 28.5°C artificial climate chamber (14 h / 10 h light / dark) until the experimental treatment stage.

[0102] 3.3 Instruments, Consumables and Reagents

[0103] Dissecting microscope (Stemi 508, Nikon, Japan); CCD camera (Axiocam 705 color, ZEISS, Germany); Precision electronic balance (CP214, OHAUS, USA); 6-well plate (Nest Biotech, China).

[0104] Arbutin (batch number B2512362, Shanghai Aladdin Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd., China); Tyrosinase Activity Assay Kit (batch number 202603, Baihuan Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., China).

[0105] 3.4 Maximum Detectable Concentration (MTC) Exploration

[0106] Experimental groups: normal control group, transparent microemulsion hydrogel group (i.e., the transparent microemulsion hydrogel prepared in part 2.1, which was diluted with deionized water to the following 5 concentration gradients: 125 μg / mL, 250 μg / mL, 500 μg / mL, 1000 μg / mL, and 2000 μg / mL).

[0107] Methods: Wild-type zebrafish 6 hours post-fertilization (6 hpf) were randomly selected and processed in 6-well plates, with 15 fish per group. The normal control group was cultured normally, while the sample groups were treated with samples for 48 h. The maximum detectable concentration of the samples in zebrafish was then determined.

[0108] 3.5 Whitening effect (intensity of melanin signal in the scalp)

[0109] Experimental groups: blank gel group (prepared in the same way as in Example 1, without the addition of plant essential oil) (1000 μg / mL), positive control group (arbutin aqueous solution, concentration of 1000 μg / mL), transparent microemulsion hydrogel group (the gel was diluted with deionized water to the following two concentration gradients: 500 μg / mL and 1000 μg / mL).

[0110] Methods: Wild-type zebrafish were randomly selected 6 hours post-fertilization (6 hpf) and processed in 6-well plates, with 15 fish per group. The normal control group was cultured normally, while the positive control group and sample group were treated with arbutin and sample, respectively, for 48 h. The samples were photographed under a microscope, and the melanin signal intensity in the zebrafish heads was counted to evaluate the whitening effect of the samples.

[0111] 3.6 Whitening effect (tyrosinase activity)

[0112] Experimental groups: blank gel group (1000 μg / mL, preparation method as in section 3.5), positive control group (arbutin 1000 μg / mL, preparation method as in section 3.5), and transparent microemulsion hydrogel group (two concentration gradients: 500 μg / mL and 1000 μg / mL, preparation method as in section 3.5).

[0113] Methods: Wild-type zebrafish, 6 hours post-fertilization (6 hpf), were randomly selected and processed in 6-well plates, with 30 fish per group. The normal control group was cultured normally, while the positive control group and sample group were treated with arbutin and sample, respectively, for 48 h. The tyrosinase activity of the zebrafish was detected using a tyrosinase activity assay kit to evaluate the whitening effect of the samples.

[0114] 3.7 Statistical Analysis

[0115] Data analysis was performed using statistical software. Quantitative data are expressed as mean ± standard error (mean ± SEM). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

[0116] 3.8 Experimental Results

[0117] 3.8.1 MTC Exploration

[0118] The results showed that the MTC of the sample (transparent microemulsion hydrogel) for zebrafish was 1000 μg / mL, as detailed in Table 2.

[0119] Table 2: Results of the sample concentration exploratory experiment (n = 15)

[0120]

[0121] 3.8.2 Whitening effect (intensity of melanin signal in the scalp)

[0122] Refer to Table 3. Figure 11-12 The results showed that, compared with the blank gel group, the intensity of melanin signal in the heads of zebrafish in the sample (transparent microemulsion hydrogel) (500 μg / mL) and transparent microemulsion hydrogel (1000 μg / mL) groups was significantly reduced, suggesting that the samples have whitening effects.

[0123] Table 3: Experimental results of skin whitening (head melanin signal intensity) (n=8)

[0124]

[0125] Compared with the blank gel group, * represents p < 0.05, and *** represents p < 0.001.

[0126] 3.8.3 Whitening effect (tyrosinase activity)

[0127] Refer to Table 4 and Figure 13 The results showed that, compared with the blank gel group, the zebrafish tyrosinase activity in the transparent microemulsion hydrogel (500 μg / mL) and transparent microemulsion hydrogel (1000 μg / mL) groups was significantly reduced, suggesting that the samples have whitening effects.

[0128] Table 4: Results of the whitening (tyrosinase activity) experiment on the samples (n = 3)

[0129]

[0130] Compared with the blank gel group, *** represents p < 0.001.

[0131] In summary, this application demonstrates through in vivo zebrafish experiments that the mixed essential oil gel prepared in this application can effectively exert whitening effects in living organisms.

Claims

1. A plant essential oil, characterized in that, The plant essential oil is a mixture of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil, and the mass ratio of Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil is 2.5-5:0.2-4:1.2-5:1-5.

2. The plant essential oil according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil is 2.5–5:0.2–1:1.2–2.5:1–3.

3.

3. Use of the plant essential oils described in any one of claims 1-2 for preparing whitening products.

4. A microemulsion gel, characterized in that, It contains the plant essential oil described in any one of claims 1-2.

5. The microemulsion gel according to claim 4, characterized in that, It is prepared through the following steps: Step 1: Mix Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil with a solvent to obtain the oil phase; Step 2: Mix the oil phase with the surfactant and co-surfactant, and then add deionized water to the system to obtain a microemulsion; Step 3: Add the carbomer dispersion to the microemulsion and stir. Then adjust the pH to 6.0-7.0, let it stand to remove bubbles, and obtain the microemulsion gel.

6. The microemulsion gel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surfactant is selected from at least one of Tween 40, Tween 60, and Tween 80; The co-surfactant is selected from at least one of anhydrous ethanol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; The solvent in step 1 is selected from at least one of caprylic / capric triglyceride, olive oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil.

7. The microemulsion gel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ratio of the total mass of the Brazilian sweet orange essential oil, geranium essential oil, juniper berry essential oil, and magnolia essential oil to the mass of the solvent is 0.8–1.2:0.8–1.

2. The mass ratio of oil phase to surfactant and co-surfactant is 1-2:6-12:3-6; The mass ratio of the oil phase to the water phase is 1:4 to 9.

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