Application of Bacterial Cellulose (BC) in Natural Facial Scrub

Abstract

A new facial scrub containing only natural ingredients and powdered bacterial cellulose (BC) was formulated. The other ingredients used in the formulation include powdered glutinous rice, aloe vera extract, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) powder and olive oil. The rheological behaviours of the formulated and commercial facial scrubs were tested using plate and plate rheometer. Both formulated and commercial facial scrubs shows shear thinning behaviour (non-Newtonian liquid). The formulated facial scrub sample had a higher viscosity at low shear rates compared to the commercial facial scrub (459.7 Pa.s against 359.2 Pa.s at 10s-1), but had a nearly similar viscosity at high shear rates (197.2 Pa.s against 192 Pa.s at 25s-1). By adding preservative, the shelf life of the scrub was two times longer than that without preservatives. The tested sample dried out after 10 minutes at room temperature (~30°C).