Houttuynia cordata essential oil (HCEO) is a promising ingredient for acne-focused phytocosmetics. This in vitro study evaluated its volatile compounds, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the stability of topical oil‑in‑water emulsions. GC-MS analysis identified n-decanoic acid (46.21%), β-myrcene (14.082%), and 2-undecanone (11.01%) as the main components. HCEO inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes. It displayed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 13.25 ± 0.09 mg/mL (DPPH) and 17.44 ± 0.16 mg TEAC/g (FRAP). No cytotoxicity was observed in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages (up to 500 µg/mL). HCEO enhanced fibroblast migration by 26.94% ± 1.12% at 400 µg/mL. It inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 and A375 cells, with IC50 values of 200.61 ± 2.19 and 152.16 ± 1.97 µg/mL, respectively, and tyrosinase activity (IC50 of 48.00 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Additionally, HCEO suppressed nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages (IC50 of 1.176 ± 0.084 µg/mL). Oil-in-water emulsions containing HCEO maintained physical stability for eight weeks, indicating suitability for cosmetic product development. These findings suggest HCEO has potential as a natural ingredient for advanced skincare formulations targeting acne and skin inflammation, although further work is needed to optimise loading, assess skin permeation, and confirm efficacy in vivo.

Centre for Natural Products Discovery School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Liverpool John Moores University Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF UK

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai 90110 Songkhla Thailand

Drug Delivery System Excellence Center Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai 90110 Songkhla Thailand

Faculty of Science and Technology Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand

Green Cosmetic Technology Research Group School of Cosmetic Science Mae Fah Luang University Chiang Rai 57100 Thailand

Laboratory of Growth Regulators Institute of Experimental Botany Palacký University The Czech Academy of Sciences Šlechtitelů 27 Olomouc Czech Republic

Medicinal Plants Research Centre Institute of Herbal Medicines and Metabolic Disorders Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran

School of Cosmetic Science Mae Fah Luang University Chiang Rai 57100 Thailand

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