Macroalgae-Inspired Brominated Chalcones as Cosmetic Ingredients with the Potential to Target Skin Inflammaging.

Skin aging is mainly caused by external factors like sunlight, which triggers oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Natural halogenated flavonoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Inspired by the macroalgae-derived bromophenol , we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of structure-related chalcones (-). Chalcones and showed the least cytotoxicity in keratinocyte and macrophage cells. Chalcones , , , and exhibited the most significant anti-inflammatory effects in murine macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, with chalcone having the lowest IC value (≈0.58 μM). A SNAP assay confirmed that chalcones do not exert their effects through direct NO scavenging. Symmetrical bromine atoms and 3,4-dimethoxy groups on both aromatic rings improved the anti-inflammatory activity, indicating a relevant structure-activity relationship. Chalcones and were selected for study to clarify their mechanisms of action. At a concentration of 7.5 μM, chalcone demonstrated a rapid and effective inhibitory action on the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while chalcone exhibited a gradual inhibitory action. Moreover, chalcone effectively activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway with around a 3.5-fold increase at the end of 24 h at 7.5 μM, highlighting its potential as a modulator of oxidative stress responses. These findings place chalcone as a promising candidate for skincare products targeting inflammation and skin aging.