The cosmetics industry expects low irritation and skin improvement effects by utilizing natural ingredients and botanical extracts. In particular, Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract is a traditionally recognized ingredient with proven pharmacological efficacy and contains various bioactive compounds. According to previous studies, Poncirus trifoliata fruit has been reported to possess antioxidant, whitening, and skin-improving effects. In this study, the antioxidant and whitening efficacy of Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract was evaluated according to different extraction solvents, and the formulation stability of a cleanser containing this extract was analyzed. The antioxidant activity of Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract was confirmed by measuring DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity, while its whitening efficacy was assessed through tyrosinase inhibition activity. Additionally, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content was measured, confirming its strong antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract may contribute to anti-aging and skin-whitening effects. To evaluate the stability of a cleansing formulation containing Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract, pH and viscosity changes were measured over 28 days under temperature conditions of 5°C, 25°C, and 45°C. The results indicated a decline in stability over long-term storage. Therefore, further studies are required to optimize the extract concentration and improve the formulation for enhanced long-term stability. This study suggests that Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract has potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening and anti-aging and can serve as fundamental data for future research on stability enhancement.

The cosmetics industry expects skin improvement and anti-aging effects by using natural products and natural extracts. In particular, herbal extracts are ingredients with traditionally proven pharmacological efficacy, and are in the spotlight as effective ingredients for maintaining skin health and improving skin troubles. In this study, the antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and wrinkle improvement effects were evaluated by using herbal ingredients such as Dioscorea opposita, Angelica dahurica, Rehmannia glutinosa, Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus. The antioxidant activity of the herbal complex was confirmed by measuring DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, and after a cytotoxicity test using the MTT assay, it showed a concentration-dependent inhibition effect on NO production by LPS stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, in the analysis of MMP-1, MMP-2 and procollagen gene expression induced by H2O2 in HDF cells, the expression of MMP-1 was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by the herbal complexes. This is expected to make a significant contribution to wrinkle improvement and skin elasticity enhancement. These results suggest that herbal complexes can be used as promising cosmetic materials for skin improvement and anti-aging.