Abstract:
The global cosmetic industry continuously enriches with different novel herbal cosmetics.
Nymphaea erangae (NE) and Atalantia ceylanica (AC) are popular for their remarkable
dermocosmetic and medicinal properties. NE contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins,
whereas AC contains essential oils, coumarins, and flavonoids that are crucial for skin tone
improvement while minimizing damage from oxidative stress, harmful radiation, and
carcinogens. However, no evidence has been reported for herbal cosmetic production
synergizing their properties. The objective of this study was to develop a novel body lotion
combining these herbs and standardize it through a systematic quality evaluation.
Treatment 1 (100% chemical formulation), treatment 2 (96% chemical formulation and 4%
NE Flower extract (NEFE), 2% AC leaf extract (ACLE)), treatment 3 (commercial cosmetic
body lotion). The experimental design was CRD, and two-way Analysis of variance was
used to analyze the data using R Studio (version 4.1.1). Comparative analyses were
performed on radical scavenging activity (RSA), flavonoid content, sun protection factor
(SPF), moisture retention, pH stability, spreadability, and viscosity. The RSA was measured
according to the DPPH assay, flavonoid content was determined using Aluminum chloride
colorimetric method, SPF was measured using UV spectrophotometric testing and Mansur
equation. Moisture, pH and viscosity were measured using moisture meter, pH meter and
viscometer respectively. Spreadability was measured using the parallel plate method. The
study revealed that treatment 2 (NEFE 4% and ACLE2%) demonstrated the significantly
highest RSA, 74.67%, flavonoid content, 536.27 ppm, sun protection factor (SPF, 34.08),
and moisture content (58.5%). Physicochemical properties over a 50-day shelf-life showed
no significant difference in net change in pH (5.32 to 5.30), spreadability (32.03 cm² to
33.71 cm²), and viscosity (43.43 cP to 43.83 cP). Considering the results, we can elucidate
that the NEFE and ACLE-based dermocosmetics occupy significant photo-protective and
moisturizing properties, offering a leading-edge solution for aesthetic skin care.
