An Optimized Naturally Derived Formulation Extract Alleviates UV-Induced Skin Photoaging and Supports Topical Lotion and Cream Development

This study investigated the protective effect of an optimized naturally derived formulation extract against ultraviolet-induced skin photoaging and its preliminary potential for topical formulation development. A mouse model was established by combined UVA + UVB irradiation and D-galactose administration. Skin phenotype, histopathology, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related indicators were evaluated, and representative constituents were identified by HPLC. The loading level of the active extract was screened using a DPPH radical-scavenging assay, and lotion and cream formulations were optimized through emulsification-condition screening and response surface methodology. The final products were further evaluated for appearance, pH, short-term physical stability, moisture-retention performance, and DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. The extract significantly alleviated skin roughness, wrinkle deepening, epidermal thickening, and collagen fiber disorganization in mice, increased SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities, and reduced MDA, ROS, 8-oxoG, TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-3 levels. HPLC identified representative constituents including 6-gingerol, ferulic acid, senkyunolide, ligustilide, atractylenolide, cinnamaldehyde, quercetin, amygdalin, and sarsasapogenin. The optimal loading level was 1.6 μg/mL. The optimized lotion and cream exhibited acceptable appearance, suitable pH, and short-term physical stability under the tested conditions, while retaining measurable DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. These findings indicate that the naturally derived formulation extract exerts anti-photoaging effects by alleviating oxidative damage, suppressing inflammatory responses, and improving extracellular matrix abnormalities, and that it has preliminary potential for topical formulation development.