Antioxidant Activity and Physical Characteristics of Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera) Peel-Off Gel Mask as Affected by PVA and HPMC Concentrations

Abstract

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds with reported antioxidant activity and are of interest as a natural cosmetic ingredient. This preliminary formulation study described how polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) concentrations relate to the pH, viscosity, and in vitro radical-scavenging activity of a peel-off gel mask containing Moringa leaf extract. We obtained the extract by macerating leaf powder in 96% ethanol for three days and incorporated a fixed amount into ten formulations (F1–F10) containing 10–14% PVA and either 2% or 3% HPMC. We determined the pH, viscosity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity (IC??) of each formulation, and we report the results numerically. The pH ranged from 5.60 to 6.43, and viscosity ranged from 3,391.59 to 9,148.64 cP, generally increasing with polymer concentration. IC?? values ranged from 98.0 to 119.8 ppm; the lowest values were observed for F10 (14% PVA, 3% HPMC; 98.0 ppm) and F5 (14% PVA, 2% HPMC; 99.8 ppm), but differences among formulations were small. The data are limited to physicochemical properties and in vitro DPPH activity. We propose F10 as the only candidate for further evaluation of drying time, peelability, film integrity, spreadability, stability, and topical safety, which this study did not assess. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 15: Life on Land