Sebumetric and mexametric evaluation of a fennel based cream

This study aims to investigate the effects of a topical cream (emulsion) containing 4% extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on functional skin parameters like sebum content, skin melanin, and skin erythaema, using the base without fennel as a control. Fennel extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of emulsion. The creams were applied to 11 healthy male volunteers for a period of 12 weeks. Skin parameters were measured fortnightly using a Mexameter MPA 5 and a Sebumeter MPA 5 to determine the effects produced. The base showed insignificant (p > 0.05) increase while the active formulation showed significant (p <= 0.05) decrease in skin melanin and sebum content, which can be attributed to the presence of linoleic acid and oleic acids in fennel. Analysis using a paired sample t-test showed that the base decreased skin erythaema insignificantly while the formulation exerted a significant decrease indicating that it possessed anti-erythaemic effects. The formulation can therefore be used safely for the treatment of acne and as a skin whitening agent in males.