Study of biosurfactant extract from corn steep water as a potential ingredient in antiacne formulations

Background: This is a novel work that includes the use of a biosurfactant extract obtained from corn milling industry (named BS-CSW), with antimicrobial activity, as ingredient in formulations to treat acne vulgaris. Methodology: With this purpose, it was established an incomplete experimental design with 3 independent variables, based on the concentration of non-nano zinc oxide (ZnO) (0–2%), BS-CSW (0–5%) and salicylic acid (0–2%). Results: This design allowed to obtain a theoretical model that calculates the inhibitory effect on Cutibacterium acnes (also named Propionibacterium acnes) for any formulation carried with the ingredients appointed before. It was observed a clear synergetic effect on the inhibition of C. acnes between ZnO and BS-CSW, in absence of salicylic acid. This fact allowed to reduce the concentration of ZnO, giving more ecofriendly and biocompatible formulations. Conclusions: It was observed that the biosurfactant extract, in formulations with intermediate concentration of ZnO (1%), possess an inhibitory effect on C. acnes considerably higher than ZnO alone and similar to ZnO (1%) with salicylic acid (1%). This fact demonstrates the enormous potential of this bioactive extract in antiacne formulations.