A rapid, accurate, and facile method to quantify the antioxidative capacity of topical formulations

Skin Res Technol. 2003 Aug;9(3):254-6. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0846.2003.00032.x.

Abstract

Background/aims: Various methodologies have been developed to quantify antioxidant activity. A simple, rapid and accurate method is demanded. This study examined the antioxidative status of a pH balanced vitamin E containing formulation versus its vehicle control utilizing a photochemiluminescence device.

Methods/results: A pH balanced 5% Vitamin E containing formulation and its vehicle control were tested. The quantity of antioxidant capacity for the pH balanced vitamin E formulation and its vehicle control were 2.28 +/- 0.05 and 0.16 +/- 0.03, respectively. The pH balanced vitamin E formulation showed a significant (P < 0.001) higher antioxidant capacity compared to its vehicle control.

Conclusions: This method not only provides quantitative data, but also is rapid, accurate, and facile in performance. The in vitro data obtained in this study require validation by in vivo studies to properly place them in context to alternate methods.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Emulsions* / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Skin Care*
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Emulsions
  • Vitamin E