Formulating waterless biocarbon-based masker towards environmental sustainability: Characterizing its functionality

Abstract

Waterproof makeup has an everlasting effect, but difficult to remove and the residues can cause irritation and skin breakout. The use of oil-based makeup remover leaves the skin oily and requires further cleansing. Personal care and cosmetic industries evolve over time with new products coming into the growing market. This is often accompanied by thematic play such as nature inspired and more recently waterless beauty. This paper characterizes the inclusion of a surface modified new biocarbon composite (NBC) in formulating waterless masker that can cleanse, scrub, and at the same time be eco-friendly towards environmental sustainability. The parameters that influence the removal of makeup foundation (MF) up to 88.07% by NBC were determined through Box-Behnken experimental approach, i.e., adsorbent dosage (0.028 g), MF concentration (up to 300 mg/L), particle size (151-300 μm), and contact time (15 min). The kinetic model obeyed the pseudo second-order reaction (R2= 0.9993). New peaks were observed in the FTIR spectra of NBC that was subjected to makeup removal. The best NBC infused waterless masker formulation (S10) displayed acceptable pH (5-7), stable odour, colour, and texture properties, was easily rinseable, and gentle on the skin. Microbial growth was not observed after 2 weeks storage at room temperature. Less effort was needed for removing makeup as the number of rubs were reduced by 52-58% in comparison to just water, and commercial water-based charcoal face masker. Incorporation of NBC into various personal care product formulation such as cleansing balm, clay mask, face scrub, and shampoo can raise the competitiveness of local product line.