Phytomelatonin subjected to skin irritation test (patch test), at the Cosmetology Center of the University of Ferrara demonstrated a high skin compatibility. The methodology used is based on the Patch test, according to Colipa indications. This test consists in applying the product on the skin of the volar part of the forearm, in conditions of occlusivity, for a time of 48 hours. It allows to obtain experimental data on the compatibility of the product with the skin and to obtain information on the irritative potential in conditions of extreme skin stress.

The interpretation of the result takes place thanks to the application of an evaluation scale, it is a range of values attributed to skin reactions observed (Drize modified). The values obtained are related to the times in which the observations are made (15 minutes and 24 hours after the cessation of the occlusion). Reference is made to the ICDRG rating scale. The values obtained are in relation to the intensity of the individual skin reaction observed; these summed values are then divided by the number of volunteers participating in the test. The final result, relating to the irritative capacity of the product, is expressed for the test substance thanks to the combination of the skin events observed: erythema, edema, desquamation, lesion. The product is considered skin-friendly if the total value of the scores obtained from the observation of the skin treated in occlusion is less than 0.5 both at 15 minutes and at 24 hours from the cessation of the occlusive state. Fitomelatonina it has values of 0.15 in both observations, thus allowing us to state that it is a very skin-friendly substance.

Phytomelatonin has some excellent cosmetic properties which make it a substance particularly suitable for the preparation of emulsions (creams and milks) dedicated to the treatment of both mature and young skin.

Thanks to his antioxidant activity allows an effective contrast of free radicals, responsible for skin degradation. Topical application is used in formulations intended for:

• restore the structural lipophilic components damaged by oxidative stress induced by UV and other factors;
• treatments for skin with a tendency to relaxation and epidermal dryness;
• protect from solar radiation;
• protect the skin from the characteristic processes of photo-aging.