ACUTE TOXICITY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF MILKFISH (Chanos chanos) COLLAGEN SKIN LOTION

Abstract

The continuous growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) aquaculture in Indonesia has led to significant generation of scale waste. These scales are highly collagenous and may serve as active ingredients in skin care products. This study aimed to identify the optimal concentration of milkfish scale collagen lotion by evaluating its parameters, physicochemical properties, and acute dermal toxicity. Collagen extracted from milkfish scales was incorporated into lotion formulations at varying concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% w/v) to evaluate its physicochemical effects. The physicochemical properties evaluated were spreadability, viscosity, and pH of the gel. Acute dermal toxicity was assessed in female mice (Mus musculus) by histopathological analysis of the skin. The resulting data were then analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA test and Fisher LSD test. The results showed that all the lotion formulations met the required physicochemical quality standards. Increasing collagen concentration decreased spreadability but increased viscosity, with all pH values remaining within the safe ranges. Acute dermal toxicity testing indicated no evidence of toxicity or mortality in the test subjects. Histopathological analysis indicated that higher collagen concentrations reduced epithelial thickness and the number of inflammatory cells while promoting angiogenesis in the skin tissue. In conclusion, milkfish scale collagen lotion is safe for topical use and has promising potential as a skincare product with favorable physicochemical properties.