Antioxidant, Photoprotective, and In Vitro Antiaging Assessment of Optimized Water/Oil Emulsions of Selenized Chickpea Glutelin with Rosehip Oil or Grapeseed Oil

The selenized glutelin (Se-G) from Se-enriched chickpea sprouts has demonstrated high antioxidant potential. In this study, the response surface methodology was employed to optimize Se-G content (1¿4%) and grape or rosehip oils (10¿40%) for the preparation of W/O emulsions with strong antioxidant activity. In the optimal emulsions (Se-GG with grape oil and Se-GR with rosehip oil), antioxidant, photoprotective, and antiaging properties were evaluated. Non-Se glutelin was used in the control emulsions. The optimal conditions determined (4.0% Se-G/10.0% rosehip oil and 3.39% Se-G/12.50% grape oil) allowed for the preparation of emulsions with higher antioxidant capacity. The Se-GR with rosehip oil had greater antioxidant capacity than the Se-GG with grape oil. The optimal emulsions with Se, compared to their Se-free controls, had significantly higher antioxidant activity. The zeta potential value increased with the presence of Se. A positive effect on the inhibition of ROS production and lipid peroxidation was observed, as well as the inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase activity, mainly due to the presence of selenium. Se-G represents a powerful tool for preventing damage to the skin caused by UV exposure. © 2025 by the authors.