Formulation and Evaluation of a Psidium guajava-Enriched Antioxidant Face Mask for Anti-Aging Skin Care

Abstract

Background: Herbal cosmetics are gaining global attention as safe and effective alternatives to synthetic skincare products. Skin aging is primarily caused by oxidative stress from excess free radicals, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an herbal antioxidant facemask enriched with Psidium guajava extract for anti-aging skin care. Objective: The aim was to prepare a stable, natural, and effective cosmetic product using readily available ingredients. Methods: The facemask was developed using guava powder, beetroot powder, honey, pink clay, rose petals, vitamin E, and rose water, all through an emulsion-based method. Four formulations (F1–F4) were prepared and evaluated for their organoleptic, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties. Results: The optimized formulation (F4) exhibited a pinkish-red color, a mild floral odor, a smooth consistency, a pH of 5.2, and no signs of phase separation or irritancy. Stability testing under accelerated conditions confirmed no change in color, odor, or texture after four weeks at 45 °C. The DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated vigorous dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with F4 exhibiting the highest inhibition (89.5 % at 100 µg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid. These findings confirm strong free-radical scavenging potential and product stability. Conclusion: The developed Psidium guajava–enriched pink herbal face mask demonstrated excellent physicochemical stability and antioxidant efficacy, indicating its potential as a natural, safe, and effective skincare formulation for daily use. The results indicate that the developed herbal facemask possesses significant antioxidant potential and suitable physicochemical stability, making it a promising, safe, and economical formulation for anti-aging and skin-protective cosmetic applications.