Essential oils extracted from nine different plants exhibit differential effects on skin antioxidation and elasticity

Essential oils derived from plants are major ingredients in the medical and cosmetic industry. Here, we evaluated nine types of plant essential oils to identify potential candidates with antioxidant and elasticity-enhancing properties. Seven essential oils showed at least 10% radical scavenging activity at the highest concentration. Essential oils extracted from Aster glehnii, Cinnamomum cassia, Citrus unshiu, Juniperus chinensis L., and Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii significantly enhanced fibroblast viability, and oils from Cit. unshiu, J. chinensis L., and J. chinensis var. sargentii significantly increased cell proliferation and migration. Expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen 1, collagen 3, and elastin, were upregulated by J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii oil, which also significantly enhanced the contractile activity of skin cells in a three-dimensional gel contraction assay. The results suggest that J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii essential oils may be potential anti-wrinkling and anti-oxidative agents for future consideration of use in the medical and cosmetic industry. This study evaluated nine types of plant essential oils to select ingredients with antioxidant and elasticity-enhancing properties. Juniperus chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii essential oils increased the antioxidant ability of fibroblasts and promoted their proliferation, thereby increasing production of proteins related to skin elasticity and contractile ability. These essential oils are potential anti-oxidative agents. image