Common carrot (Daucus carota) is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family and represents a significant food source in various parts of the world. Due to its popularity and high annual yield, it is cultivated in numerous countries. In addition to its nutritional value, carrot has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has recently gained prominence in the fields of pharmacy, medicine, and especially the cosmetic industry. It is most commonly used in the form of a plant extract, particularly in skincare products such as creams, lotions, gels, and shampoos, which provide moisturizing, nourishing, antioxidant, and protective effects. Given the complex chemical composition of carrot extract, it is crucial to adhere to all guidelines to ensure safe use.
In this thesis, we evaluated the safety of common carrot extract as an ingredient in cosmetic products using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. This approach is based on the classification of chemical compounds according to their structures into Cramer toxicity classes with assigned TTC values. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the plant and carrot extract using literature sources. Based on the physicochemical properties of the compounds and their literature-reported concentrations, we assessed the maximum potential absorption and systemic exposure. For compounds with unknown concentrations, we estimated their maximum permitted concentrations in the extract based on the maximum potential extent of absorption and the TTC values for the respective Cramer classes. For certain compounds, we also calculated the daily safe dose using the NOAEL values, which exceeded the TTC values and the systemic exposure of the extract for several orders of magnitude.
Based on the obtained values and all provided calculations, we concluded that carrot extract is safe for use in cosmetic products.
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