International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 27(21) (2025)
Toxicity of Bio-Based Surfactants on Skin: A Systematic Review
Che En Tan1, Zi Ni Ngai2, Siang Yin Lee3, Anna Pick Kiong Ling1 and Rhun Yian Koh*1
1School of Health Sciences, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2School of Postgraduate Studies, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3Technology and Engineering Division (BTK), RRIM Sungai Buloh Research Station, Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the toxicity of biosurfactants on the skin using a systematic review approach. Surfactants are widely used in numerous everyday products, from personal care items to cleaning agents, raising questions about their safety and potential adverse effects on users. Conventional surfactants have been found to cause skin irritation and other toxicological issues in some cases, prompting the search for safer, eco-friendly alternatives. Biosurfactants, derived from biological sources, have emerged as a promising substitute due to their potential for reduced toxicity and environmental benefits. This review examines the toxicity profiles of various classes of biosurfactants, including microbial, glycolipids, sugar-based, and other biologically derived surfactants. While most studies indicate that biosurfactants pose minimal irritation and low toxicity to skin cells, isolated findings suggest they may induce cell apoptosis under certain conditions. The systematic review was conducted by analyzing data from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Tandfonline using search terms such as “Bio-based surfactant,” “Biosurfactant,” “Toxicity,” and “Skin.” The reviewed studies were classified into categories based on biosurfactant characteristics and toxicological findings. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the toxicological, clinical, and pathological effects of biosurfactants on the skin, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap and encourage the development of safer, biologically-derived surfactants for commercial use. Notably, this systematic review highlights novel findings on specific biosurfactants that exhibit enhanced biocompatibility while maintaining effective surfactant properties.
Keywords: Bio-based surfactant, skin, toxicity
Full length article *Corresponding Author, e-mail: rhunyian_koh@imu.edu.my Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/17-IJCBS-25-27-21-17