Formulation of Fruit Extract Peel-Off Gel Mask Preparation Papaya (Carica papaya L.) As a skin lightener with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) base

Abstract

Background Peel-off gel masks are one of the cosmetic preparations for facial care that are practically used, because they have a gel form that after application will dry out in a certain period of time so that they can be removed easily without the need to rinse Objectives The purpose of this study is focused on the formulation of peel-off gel masks made from papaya fruit extract (Carica papaya L.) with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the gel base,  which can be used as a skin lightening agent. Papaya extract is obtained by   method Papaya extract is obtained through the maceration method using 96% ethanol, then formulated at three different concentration levels, namely 0.75%, 1.25% and 1.75%. The tests carried out included organoleptic parameters, pH, homogeneity, dispersibility, adhesion, and drying time. The results showed that all formulas met the physical quality requirements of peel-off gel masks, with orange characteristics, typical papaya aroma, semi-dense and homogeneous texture, pH 4.15–4.30 in accordance with skin pH, drying time 17–25 minutes, spread power 5–6.4 cm, adhesion 1–2 minutes, and no irritation to respondents. Variations in extract concentrations affect drying time and spreadability, where higher concentrations tend to prolong drying times and decrease spread. Conclusion The results of the study prove that papaya extract has the potential to be formulated into a peel-off gel mask preparation that is stable and safe to use, meets physical quality criteria, and has the potential to brighten the skin due to its antioxidant content.