Studying the Benefits of Using Refined Bamboo Vinegar in Anti-Acne Cosmetics

Bamboo vinegar is a concentrated liquid obtained from bamboo under high temperature and oxygen-free conditions. It contains more than 200 organic ingredients, including organic acids, phenols, ketones, alcohols and esters, the main ingredient of which is acetic acid. Although bamboo vinegar has been approved by the China Food and Drug Administration as a cosmetic raw material, commercial bamboo vinegar often contains impurities whose effectiveness is not clear, and the phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons contained therein may be harmful to humans.

Despite this, bamboo vinegar has anti-acne potential, especially in its anti-acne action. Propionibacterium acnes, a key microorganism in the pathogenesis of acne. While antibiotics are commonly used to treat acne, concerns about drug resistance have constrained their utilize.

In a study published in Volume 1, Issue 2 of Journal of Dermatological Science and Cosmetic TechnologyA team of researchers from Central South University of Forestry and Technology in China investigated the mechanism of action of the controlled release system of bamboo vinegar and its potential utilize in cosmetics.

The bamboo vinegar was purified by distillation under reduced pressure, which increased the organic acid content, reduced the tar content and enhanced the dynamic ingredients while minimizing the harmful ingredients. We used activated bamboo charcoal to adsorb the bamboo vinegar, which allowed for a gradual release over a period of more than two hours, effectively demonstrating the sluggish release effect.

Sheng Zhang, corresponding author

The results suggest that refined bamboo vinegar may be a promising raw material for anti-acne cosmetic formulations. The release rate of bamboo charcoal/bamboo vinegar sophisticated in water reached 70.57% within 15 min and then slowed down to a plateau. This sluggish release is consistent with the Ritger-Peppas model, which is beneficial for reducing skin irritation and prolonging the bacteriostatic action time.

“The results present a novel concept for anti-acne cosmetics and provide a basis for further research into the utilize of slow-release systems of bamboo vinegar with bamboo charcoal as a carrier,” adds Zhang. “Future studies should explore additional cosmetic benefits of bamboo vinegar, such as dandruff removal, anti-wrinkle effects, and others.”