Development of Eyes Mask Containing Dragon Fruit Peel Extract

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop the eyes mask formulations containing dragon fruit peel extract. Dragon fruit peels were extracted by distilled water, ethanol and ethanol:water (1:1) by maceration process and tested for in vitro antioxidative activity. The ethanol:water (1:1) extract of dragon fruit peel which demonstrated potent DPPH radical scavenging activity at the IC₅₀ of 4.21 ± 0.17 mg/ml was selected for further eyes mask formulation. The eyes mask formulation composed of gelatin (6.50 g), glycerin (17.16 g), pectin (1.28 g) and glutaraldehyde reagent (0.15 g) prepared by conventional solution casting method was developed. This formulation which showed the softness (291.50 ± 4.95 g) and thickness (0.16 ± 0.02 cm) values as well as swelling behavior similar to commercial eyes mask products was selected to load with dragon fruit peel extract. 30 Thai volunteers in the age range of 18-50 years old were enrolled in the in vivo test on human skin irritation and hydration studies. For skin irritation study, the eyes mask was applied on the volar forearm for 10 min and measured skin erythema by Mexameter^® before and after applied at 30 min, whereas Corneometer^® was used to measured skin hydration before and after applied at 10, 15 and 30 min. Eyes mask containing dragon fruit peel extract showed no skin irritation and significantly demonstrated higher improvement of skin hydration more than the untreated skin area. The developed eyes mask containing dragon fruit peel extract can be applied as a novel topical product due to their superior in vivo skin hydration effect.