Antifungal and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Cosmetic Ingredients Against Clinical Dermatophyte Isolates Kozmetik İçeriklerin Klinik Dermatofit İzolatlarına Karşı Antifungal ve Anti-Biyofilm Aktivitelerinin İncelenmesi

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Özkanca C., DÖŞLER S.

Fabad Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, cilt.50, sa.3, ss.547-560, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

The skin, with its low pH and sweat glands, acts as a physical barrier against microbial colonization. Dermatophytes, however, can develop resistance through biofilm formation and changes in membrane permeability. Cosmetic products applied to the skin may also contribute to this stress. This study evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm effects of commonly used cosmetic raw materials against clinical dermatophyte isolates. Eleven isolates were tested: five Microsporum canis, four Trichophyton rubrum, and one each of T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. Biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet staining, antifungal activities by microbroth dilution, and antibiofilm activities against mature biofilms. Among the isolates, four M. canis were strong biofilm producers, one M. canis and two T. rubrum moderate, while others were weak. Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 7.8–250 μL/mL for tea tree oil, 4–625 μL/mL for vitamin A, and 4–500 μL/mL for octocrylene, glycerin, or panthenol. Benzophenone-4 showed moderate activity (256–5000 μg/mL), whereas the UV filter DHHB was selectively active against M. canis (8–256 μg/mL). Vitamin A, glycerin, and octocrylene were most effective against M. canis, while panthenol and tea tree oil were more active against T. rubrum. Cosmetic ingredients reduced mature biofilms up to 3-log10 cfu/mL, with tea tree oil, vitamin A, panthenol, Centella asiatica extract, and benzophenone-4 showing strong antibiofilm effects. These results indicate that cosmetic components possess significant antifungal and antibiofilm properties, offering a promising adjunct or alternative strategy for treating dermatophyte infections. Further research is needed to validate their clinical efficacy and safety.