This study investigated the physicochemical and biological properties of an aqueous extract from Punica granatum peel (WPG) and, for the first time, its incorporation into hydrogel formulations for dermocosmetic applications. The extract was characterized for its total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), and inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and elastase enzymes. Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated against eight pathogenic strains using the inhibition zones diameters, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. In silico molecular docking of punicalagin and granatin was performed to support the in vitro findings. Notably, WPG was successfully incorporated into hydrogels, demonstrating a novel approach to deliver natural bioactive compounds in cosmetic formulations. The hydrogel formulations were then assessed for physicochemical stability, microbiological safety, and cytocompatibility. WPG exhibited high phenolic (116.5 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (20.6 mg QE/g extract) contents, strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 398 mg TE/g extract; ABTS: 510 mg TE/g extract), and significant tyrosinase inhibition (88.8%), exceeding the reference compound Kojic acid. Elastase inhibition potential of WPG reached 58.6%. Molecular docking confirmed favorable interactions of key bioactive compounds with the target enzymes. MIC values ranged from 0.5 to 2 mg/mL while MBC values vary from 1 to 4 mg/mL. Hydrogels formulated with WPG displayed suitable pH (4.9–5.12), shear‐thinning behavior, microbiological safety, and high cell viability (∼93%). Among all tested formulations, G2 showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These results underscore the novelty of this study by demonstrating a multifunctional, safe, and natural cosmetic hydrogel enriched with P. granatum peel extract, combining antioxidant, antiaging, and antibacterial properties.
Bennour et al. (Thu,) studied this question.