Anti-photoaging Cream using a Quercus Suber Extract

Abstract

This work aims at developing a new chemical product, which involves all the product design stages, starting from the evaluation of market needs, generation of ideas, selection of the selected idea and finally, the decision of the manufacturing process. During this analysis, it was decided to use the ellagic acid extracted from cork powder, a cork industry waste, to create our final product: an anti-photoaging cream free of parabens and fragrances. This decision results from the protective role of ellagic acid against UV-B-induced oxidative stress, reducing wrinkles and sun inflammation consequences. A rough economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on an industrial showcase, in which it was calculated the Net Present Value of 1.6 M€, so the project was considered viable. It was also determined the Internal Return Rate-value of 85 %, and the Payback Time was set at 3.3 years. (c) 2022, Universidade do Porto - Faculdade de Engenharia. All rights reserved.