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Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering

December 2014, Volume 1, 1, pp 18

Screening for Cosmetic Preservative from Natural Source

Ann Anni Basik, Noreha binti Mahidi

Ann Anni Basik 1 

Noreha binti Mahidi 1 
  1. Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Kuching, Malaysia 1


Abstract:

Many of us may not be attentive to the ingredients in our cosmetic, especially its preservative.  This is an important fact as currently there are no natural preservatives and undesired synthetic ones have proven to harmful. Among synthetic cosmetic preservatives that have been introduced into cosmetic products are mercury, borax and titanium oxide and have resulted in blinded cases and even death. Our aim, is to find cosmetic preservative from natural sources in Sarawak. This is not an easy task as many natural compounds are not broad spectrum or effective against the resilient Gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From this study, 145 plant and 100 rice extracts were screened against common cosmetic contaminants; E.coli, S.aureus, P.aeruginosa and A.niger. Plant were selected based on its traditional documentation properties including healing of wounds, boil, scabies, and ringworm and as food preservatives. In the secondary screening, 28 plant extracts were able to inhibit all the four tested strains, while none of the rice extracts were active against E.coli. Further study was conducted on an Araceae plant (leaves), traditionally used by the indigenous Iban community for wound healings.

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