FORMULATION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BETA-CAROTENE-BASED PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata) POWDER CLAY MASK

Abstract

Beta-carotene is a natural carotenoid compound known as a provitamin A and antioxidant. One potential natural source of beta-carotene is pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata D.). This study aimed to determine the beta-carotene content in pumpkin flesh powder using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), formulate it as an active ingredient in clay mask preparations, and evaluate the physical characteristics of the resulting formulations. The results showed that the beta-carotene content in pumpkin flesh powder was 5.306 mg/g. The samples showed retention times relatively close to that of the beta-carotene standard, with retention times of 6.143 and 6.115 minutes, while the standard showed a mean retention time of 6.180 minutes. The pumpkin flesh powder was then formulated at three concentrations: F1 (1%), F2 (1.5%), and F3 (2%). Physical evaluation showed that the three formulations had relatively similar organoleptic characteristics, were homogeneous, and had pH values of 6.15, 5.40, and 5.47, respectively. The drying times of F1, F2, and F3 were 15 minutes 43 seconds, 19 minutes 20 seconds, and 21 minutes 27 seconds, respectively. Viscosity testing showed a decrease in viscosity with increasing RPM, indicating a tendency toward pseudoplastic flow behavior. Based on these findings, pumpkin flesh powder has potential as an active ingredient in clay mask formulations.