Formulation and Evaluation of Blush-On Gel from Ethanol Extract of Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa)

Abstract

Bawang dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa), a native plant of Kalimantan, is traditionally used as a medicinal herb and is known by various local names such as bawang tiwai, teki sabrang, and brambang dayak. This plant contains natural pigments, making it a potential natural colorant for cosmetic preparations. This study aimed to investigate the potential of bawang dayak bulb extract as a natural coloring agent in blush-on gel formulations at concentrations of 30%, 35%, and 40%, referred to as FI, FII, and FIII. An experimental method was employed using maceration with 96% ethanol as the extraction solvent. The extract was then formulated into gel preparations and tested from day 0 to day 15, including organoleptic evaluation, homogeneity test, pH measurement, spreadability test, adhesion test, and irritation test. The blush-on gel from bawang dayak extract produced red-colored, strawberry-scented, semi-solid/gel preparations. The results for formulations F0, FI, FII, and FIII were as follows: pH values of 6, 5, 5, and 5; spreadability of 5.3, 5.6, 6.1, and 6.4 cm; adhesion times of 28, 23, 19, and 17 seconds, respectively; and all showed negative irritation test results. These findings indicate that the formulations met the parameters of gel preparations. The ethanol extract of bawang dayak bulbs (Eleutherine bulbosa) can be successfully formulated into gel preparations and is suitable for use as a natural blush-on gel.