Antifungal and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Cosmetic Ingredients Against Clinical Dermatophyte Isolates

Authors : Cemre Özkanca, Sibel Döşler

Pages : 547-560

Doi:10.55262/fabadeczacilik.1604883

View : 85 | Download : 101

Publication Date : 2025-10-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The skin, as a physical barrier with its low pH and sweat glands, provides an environment for microorganisms to colonize. Dermatophyte infections, caused by fungi, which could develop resistance due to environmental stressors like biofilm formation, drug transport systems, and cell permeability changes. Cosmetic products applied to the skin can also contribute to this stress. This study evaluates the antifungal and anti-biofilm effectiveness of common cosmetic raw materials against clinical dermatophyte isolates. The biofilm forming capacities of total 11 isolates of five Microsporum canis, four Trichophyton rubrum, each one Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton tonsurans were determined by crystal violet staining method. While the antifungal activities were determined by microbroth dilution technique, antibiofilm activities of effective substances were tested against the mature biofilms by colony count. Among the 11 isolates, four M. canis were strong, one M. canis and two T. rubrum were moderate, and other isolates were weak biofilm positive. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were between 7.8–250, 4–625, and 4–500 µL/mL for tea tree oil, vitamin A, and octocrylene, glycerine and panthenol. Benzophenone-4 showed moderate activity 256–5000 µg/mL, and the UV-filter DHHB was selectively active against M. canis with 8–256 µg/mL. Especially vitamin-A, glycerin and octocrylene were most active substances against M. canis, and panthenol or tea tree oil against T. rubrum. Cosmetic ingredieents inhibit the mature biofilms up to 3-log10 cfu/ml, especially tea tree oil, vitamin-A, panthenol, Centella asiatica extract and benzophenone-4 have the strong antibiofilm activities. Cosmetic ingredients demonstrated significant antifungal and antibiofilm properties, offering a promising adjunct or alternative approach for treating dermatophyte infections. Further research is essential to validate their clinical efficacy and safety.
Keywords : Cosmetic ingredient, dermatophyte, anti-biofilm, antifungal activity

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