FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NATURAL FACIAL MASK INCORPORATING MUSA SPP. PEEL, CITRULLUS LANATUS RIND, AND CENTELLA ASIATICA AQUEOUS EXTRACTS

Background: Consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly skincare products. Agricultural waste-based cosmetic formulations offer a sustainable approach to reducing environmental impact while providing skincare benefits. Plant materials such as Musa spp. peel (banana peel), Citrullus lanatus rind (watermelon rind), and Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort) contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds promoting antioxidant activity. These characteristics suggest their potential application in facial mask formulations as natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients. Objective: This study aimed to formulate and characterize a natural facial mask incorporating aqueous extracts of Musa spp. peel, Citrullus lanatus rind, and Centella asiatica, and to evaluate its free radical scavenging activity (RSA). Methods: Phytochemical tests were performed on the extracts to confirm the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. The base formulation was selected through pH testing, and the optimal extract formulation was determined through preliminary evaluations. Results: All extracts tested positive for flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Banana peel extract at concentrations >100 mg/mL showed the highest RSA value, while watermelon rind and Indian pennywort extracts showed their highest RSA values at >10 mg/mL. The best base formulation consisted of 20% collagen peptides in pullulan and showed minimal pH variation over three consecutive days. The optimal extract formulation consisting of banana peel, watermelon rind and Indian pennywort extracts in a 10:1:1 ratio, demonstrated the highest RSA value and better moisturizing performance than the other formulations. Conclusion: The selected formulation demonstrated high antioxidant and moisturizing properties, highlighting its potential as an effective natural facial mask. By utilizing natural ingredients such as banana peel, watermelon rind, and Indian pennywort, which are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, this formulation offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly skincare alternative.