Red Palm Oil as a Bioactive Ingredient for Cosmeceutical Applications: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Skin-Protective Properties

Red Palm Oil (RPO), extracted from the mesocarp of Elaeis guineensis, is rich in bioactive compounds including carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene), tocopherols, tocotrienols, squalene, and phytosterols. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-protective activities, highlighting RPO as a promising natural ingredient for cosmeceutical applications. This study integrates a literature review with experimental evaluation of three RPO types—Premium Olein, Crude Palm Oil A, and Premium Stearin Butter—assessing their antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial effects, and suitability for topical formulations. Experimental results were compared with literature values, showing consistent trends and confirming RPO’s cosmeceutical potential. Premium Stearin Butter exhibited the highest bioactive activity, particularly in radical scavenging and solvent-assisted antimicrobial effects. RPO can be incorporated into moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, lip balms, and eye creams, with careful attention to color, odor, stability, and delivery systems. The findings support sustainable cosmeceutical development and add economic value to Thailand’s palm oil industry. Further studies on individual bioactive compounds, advanced delivery systems, clinical evaluation, and market acceptance are recommended.