Physical properties of skin care preparations: gel face scrub Gracilaria sp.

Exploring the Impact of Salt Concentration on Gracilaria sp. Gel Face Scrub

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Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and maintaining healthy skin, but the ingredients used in facial scrubs play a crucial role in their effectiveness. Many commercial scrubs use microplastic beads, which can harm the environment and potentially the skin. This study addresses this issue by exploring natural alternatives, specifically focusing on the effect of varying salt concentrations on the physical properties of a gel face scrub made with the seaweed Gracilaria sp.

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Salt is known for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells, promote blood circulation, and enhance the skin's texture. In combination with Gracilaria sp., a seaweed that acts as a natural thickener and stabilizer due to its agar content, this study aims to develop a more skin-friendly and eco-friendly exfoliating product. The experiment analyzed four salt concentration levels: 0% (P0), 10% (P1), 20% (P2), and 30% (P3), measuring parameters such as pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and homogeneity.

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Gracilaria sp. is a type of red algae commonly used in the food and cosmetic industries due to its high agar content, which serves as a natural gelling agent. When combined with salt, it not only aids in exfoliation but also ensures the stability and viscosity of the final gel formulation. Using Gracilaria sp. in a scrub can provide a gentle exfoliating effect, making it suitable for facial skin compared to harsher, synthetic alternatives.

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The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications for each treatment level. The main variables measured included:

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 ● pH level: Indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the formulation.

● Specific gravity: Determines the density of the scrub.

● Viscosity: Measures the thickness and texture of the scrub, crucial for ensuring easy application.

● Homogeneity: Ensures even distribution of particles within the gel.

● Organoleptic properties: Evaluates texture, color, and aroma through sensory testing.

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The experimental setup involved preparing gel face scrubs with varying salt concentrations and testing them to determine the optimal formulation. The best results were obtained with a 20% salt concentration (P2), which showed balanced properties in terms of pH, viscosity, and sensory attributes.

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● Results Overview

The study's findings revealed that increasing salt concentrations had a significant impact on most physical properties of the gel scrub. The 20% salt concentration (P2) achieved the best balance, with a pH level of 5.762, viscosity of 1100 CPS, and a specific gravity of 1.030. These results are within the standard range for facial scrubs, indicating that this formulation can offer a smooth and effective exfoliating experience.

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Detailed Analysis of Physical Properties

● pH Analysis

The pH of a facial scrub is crucial, as it determines skin compatibility and potential irritation. The study found that as salt concentration increased, the pH of the gel scrub decreased. The pH values for the different concentrations were:

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● P0 (0% salt): 6.616 ± 0.614

● P1 (10% salt): 6.070 ± 0.37

● P2 (20% salt): 5.762 ± 0.209

● P3 (30% salt): 5.710 ± 0.396

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The decrease in pH with higher salt levels is attributed to the presence of citric acid, which dissociates more readily in higher salt solutions. This makes the 20% salt concentration the most suitable, as it falls within the acceptable pH range for skin application (4.5 – 7.8 according to SNI standards).

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Specific gravity measures the density of the face scrub, affecting the product's spreadability and stability. The study showed a correlation between salt concentration and specific gravity, with values ranging from 0.990 at 0% salt (P0) to 1.030 at 20% salt (P2). The P2 treatment emerged as the optimal formulation, offering a balanced density that ensures easy application without being too runny or too thick.

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● Viscosity Analysis: Achieving the Ideal Texture

Viscosity is a critical factor in determining the feel and performance of the scrub. The results indicated that a 20% salt concentration achieved the highest acceptable viscosity level at 1100 CPS, compared to the standard range of 3000-50,000 CPS. While none of the formulations met the standard range, the P2 concentration provided the best consistency for facial application.

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●  Organoleptic Properties: Texture, Color, and Aroma

The sensory evaluation involved 30 participants, who rated the formulations based on texture, color, and aroma. The P2 treatment received the highest scores, with participants highlighting its smooth texture, clear green color, and pleasant vanilla aroma. This suggests that the P2 formulation not only performs well in terms of physical properties but also meets consumer expectations for a pleasant and easy-to-use product.

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● SEM-EDX Analysis for Microstructural Evaluation

The SEM-EDX analysis was performed to assess the microstructure and elemental composition of the best-performing P2 scrub. The analysis showed a crystalline structure with high concentrations of Na (47.883%) and Cl (44.898%), which are derived from the salt component. The presence of these elements confirms the role of salt in enhancing the exfoliating properties of the scrub.

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 Conclusion and Future Directions

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● Conclusion: Finding the Ideal Salt Concentration

The study concluded that a 20% salt concentration provides the optimal balance for a gel face scrub made with Gracilaria sp.. This concentration resulted in a product with stable pH, desirable viscosity, and excellent sensory attributes. Future research could explore the addition of other natural ingredients to further enhance the scrub’s properties and consumer appeal.

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