*Article* **Synergistics of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Mangosteen Extract as Enhancing Moisturizing, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Deodorizing Properties in Emulsion Cream**

**Nareekan Chaiwong <sup>1</sup> , Yuthana Phimolsiripol 1,2,3,\* , Pimporn Leelapornpisid <sup>4</sup> , Warintorn Ruksiriwanich 2,4 , Kittisak Jantanasakulwong 1,2, Pornchai Rachtanapun 1,2,3 , Phisit Seesuriyachan 1,2,3, Sarana Rose Sommano <sup>5</sup> , Noppol Leksawasdi 1,2,3 , Mario J. Simirgiotis <sup>6</sup> , Francisco J. Barba <sup>7</sup> and Winita Punyodom <sup>3</sup>**


**Abstract:** Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) from native chitosan of high molecular weight (H, 310–375 kDa) was synthesized for improving water solubility. The water solubility of high-molecularweight carboxymethyl chitosan (H-CMCH) was higher than that of native chitosan by 89%. The application of H-CMCH as enhancing the moisturizer in mangosteen extract deodorant cream was evaluated. Different concentrations of H-CMCH (0.5–2.5%) were investigated in physicochemical characteristics of creams, including appearance, phase separation, pH, and viscosity, by an accelerated stability test. The different degrees of skin moisturizing (DM) on pig skin after applying H-CMCH solution, compared with untreated skin, water, and propylene glycol for 15 and 30 min using a Corneometer®, were investigated. The results showed that the 0.5% H-CMCH provided the best DM after applying the solution on pig skin for 30 min. Trans-2-nonenal, as an unsatisfied odor component, was also evaluated against components of the mangosteen extract deodorant cream, which were compared to the standard, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antibacterial activities were examined for the mangosteen extract deodorant cream using 0.5% H-CMCH. Results indicated that the mangosteen extract synergized with H-CMCH, which had a good potential as an effective skin moisturizing agent enhancer, deodorizing activity on trans-2-nonenal odor, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial properties.

**Keywords:** carboxymethyl chitosan; mangosteen; deodorant; skin moisturizing; trans-2-nonenal; accelerated stability test
