Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40686194›Full record

SynthesisJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025

Applications of Traditional Herbal Ingredients in Skincare: Mapping the Research Landscape and Innovation Trajectories Over Four Decades.

Kexin Deng, Yi Liu, Dian Li, Can Liu

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kexin DengDepartment of Plastic and Reconstruction, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6343-0361
Yi LiuDepartment of Plastic and Reconstruction, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Dian LiDepartment of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Can LiuDepartment of Plastic and Reconstruction, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.

Funding

Hunan Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation General Program 2025JJ50592Study on the Mechanisms of Targeting circROR1-Mediated Enrichment of Stem-Like T Cells in Enhancing the Response Efficiency of Immunotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveAlong with economic and technological advancements, traditional herbal ingredients have garnered increasing attention in skincare due to their antioxidative properties, low toxicity, multitargeted effects, and broad cultural acceptance. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive knowledge frameworks and systematic research trend analyses in this field. This study examines the scientific landscape and innovation patterns of herbal skincare, aiming to establish a framework for integrating traditional wisdom with modern dermatological science.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (SCI-E). CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and ArcGIS were employed to analyze leading contributors, research trends, and thematic evolutions.

resultsThe analysis yielded 1593 papers authored by 753 researchers from 507 institutions across 102 countries. China emerged as the top contributor, while Industrial Crops and Products was the most highly cited journal, and Zengin, Gokhan, was the most prolific author. Geographical clustering and cultural convergence characterized the distribution of countries, institutions, and authors. Keyword clustering identified 20 research networks, with recent clusters including #6 "molecular docking," #7 "chromatography-mass spectrometry," and #15 "mixture design." Persistently trending keywords included "Mechanism," "Gut microbiota," "Network pharmacology," and "Association."

conclusionResearch on herbal skincare has evolved from raw plant usage to advanced refinement techniques, spanning animal, cellular, and molecular studies, including high-throughput screening approaches. Formulations have progressed from complex mixtures to single-compound extractions and bioactive monomers. A comprehensive research system has been established, yet standardization in dosage, application, and manufacturing remains crucial. Future studies should prioritize multicenter clinical trials and evidence-based validation. This study highlights the transition from empirical herbal applications to precision skincare, advocating for global collaboration between traditional medicine and modern regulatory science.

Indexed as

Biomedical ResearchPhytotherapyPlant PreparationsSkin CareDermatologyHumansPlant Preparationshealthy skinherbsplantsskin care

Identifiers

PMID40686194
PMCPMC12278037

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.