Formulation and Evaluation of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Ethanolic Extract Moisturizing Serum for Facial Sheet Mask Applications

Surapha  Modsuwan; Wipa  Tupchiangmai; Natthakitta Florentine; Piyanuch  Prompamorn; Khwunjit  itsarasook

Authors

Surapha Modsuwan Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
Wipa Tupchiangmai Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
Natthakitta Florentine Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
Piyanuch Prompamorn Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
Khwunjit itsarasook Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, 10240 Thailand

Keywords:

Cucumis melo L., Serum formulation, Facial sheet mask, Skin hydration

Abstract

Addressing the increasing demand for natural and effective anti-aging skincare solutions, this study presents the development and evaluation of a moisturizing facial serum formulated with melon (Cucumis melo L.) extract for cosmeceutical sheet mask applications. Extracts from two cultivars, Orange Man and Hoshi Orange (grades B and C), were obtained using 70% and 99.9% ethanol. The 70% ethanol extract yielded the highest recovery (10.73±0.55%) and demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy via DPPH assay (EC₅₀ = 1.25±0.08 mg/mL). The Hoshi Orange 70% ethanol extract, specifically chosen for its commercial viability, showed a strong profile (EC₅₀ = 1.18±0.06 mg/mL) and a high yield (9.85±0.48%). Formulation screening identified Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 combined with xanthan gum as the optimal gelling system for rapid serum absorption into the sheet mask within 90 sec. A 3% extract concentration exhibited ideal physicochemical stability following six heating–cooling cycles. Dermatological assessments on 22 volunteers confirmed the absence of irritation with the 1% extract formulation at 24 and 48 h post-application, and corneometric analysis revealed a statistically significant 59.84% increase in skin hydration 30 min post-application. These findings collectively highlight the significant potential of melon extract as a safe, effective, and sustainable bioactive moisturizing agent for natural anti-aging skincare formulations, contributing to the valorization of agricultural surplus.

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