The extraction of antioxidants from Chlorella vulgaris for cosmetics

Abstract

Chlorella vulgaris is microalgae that contain chlorophyll as antioxidants, which has been widely used as a functional food. Antioxidants from Chlorella vulgaris also have potential as active ingredients in the cosmetics industry. Nowadays, consumers prefer natural cosmetics because they aren't harmful to the skin. This study aimed to obtain chlorophyll antioxidants from Chlorella vulgaris and applied it to the cosmetics. The extraction process of antioxidants from Chlorella vulgaris was performed by maceration method, with Chlorella vulgaris concentration variable: 0.01; 0.05 and 0.1% in water as solvent. The antioxidant extracts powdered by spray drying method, with addition of 100 g/L maltodextrin. The observation was conducted on the characteristics of water content, ash content, carbohydrate content, protein content, antioxidant activity, and powder morphology. The extracts powder applied to cosmetics in the form of creams and lotions, then characterized for the antioxidant activity and microbial content. The best antioxidant capacity of extract powder was obtained on Chlorella vulgaris concentration 0.1%, which was 11.83 mg Vit C per 100 g sample. The results of antioxidant capacity in cosmetics as cream and lotion were 4.95 mg Vit. C per 100 g sample (IC 719.75 mg/ml) and 4.73 mg Vit. C per 100 g sample (IC 660 mg/ml), respectively. Both of cream and lotion weren't shown any microbial contamination. Based on this study, Chlorella vulgaris with its antioxidant capacity can be developed as active ingredients for various kinds of cosmetics.