Optimization and Characterization of Olive Oil (Olea europaea L.) Based Nanoemulsion as a Potential Topical Delivery System for Skin Anti-Aging Applications

Premature aging is a degenerative process in the skin affected by exposure to free radicals, causing a decrease in water content, elasticity, and the appearance of large pores, increased melanin, and wrinkles. Olive oil contains antioxidant compounds that have the potential as active anti-aging ingredients, but have limited penetration into the skin. Therefore, the formulation in the form of nanoemulsions is expected to increase the stability and effectiveness of the delivery of active substances. This study aims to optimize and characterize Olive oil nanoemulsions as candidates for anti-aging skin. Formula optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Design Expert 13 software using two factors, namely the concentration of Tween 80 and PEG 400, and two responses in the form of pH and percent transmittance. The optimum formula was then evaluated including physical characteristics, stability, particle size, polydispersity index, nanoemulsion type, and anti-aging activity using a Skin Analyzer on volunteers for four weeks. The results showed that the optimum formula was obtained at a concentration of Tween 80 of 36.188% and PEG 400 of 14.734%, with a pH value of 6.67 ± 0.06 and a transmittance percentage of 96.9 ± 0.67. The optimum formula showed an increase in water content of 84.71%, pore improvement of 86.15%, a decrease in melanin of 82.72% and a decrease in wrinkles of 80.77%. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the optimum and base formulas in all test parameters (p>0.05), although descriptively the optimum formula tended to have better anti-aging activity. Thus, Olive oil nanoemulsion has the potential to be developed as a candidate for anti-aging preparations, although further research is still needed to improve its effectiveness.