Aloe Vera Gel Facial Wash Preparation Formulation (Aloe vera L.) And Green Betel Leaf Extract (Piper betle L.) With Carbopol Concentration Variations

Abstract

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera L.) Background and green betel leaves (Piper betle L.) are two types of plants that have great potential in skin care, especially as active ingredients in facial wash gel preparations. Aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, vitamins C and E, as well as enzymes that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and natural moisturizers while green betel leaves (Piper betle L.) It contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins and essential oils such as eugenol and cavicol that have antibacterial activity. The purpose of the  study was to determine the effect of variations in Carbopol 940 concentration on the physical characteristics  of facial wash gel preparations  containing aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) and green betel leaf (Piper betle L.). Three formulas are made with Carbopol concentrations of 1% (F1), 1.5% (F2), and 2% (F3). Evaluation was carried out on organoleptic parameters, pH, foaming power, and viscosity. The results showed that increased Carbopol concentrations caused changes in texture to become thicker, color to be more intense, and pH increased. The formulas F2 and F3 have a pH that corresponds to the SNI standard (4.5–8.0), while F1 is below that limit. The strength of the foam decreases as the viscosity increases, but all formulas remain within the acceptable stability limits of the foam. The highest viscosity is found in F3, indicating a very viscous gel, while F1 has the lowest viscosity but is still up to standard. F2 is in the middle, with a balanced viscosity, not too liquid and not too viscous, so it is considered the most optimal in terms of comfort and stability of the shape of the preparation. The conclusion that this study proves that variations in Carbopol concentrations have a significant influence on the physical properties of gel preparations including organoleptic tests, viscosity, pH and foaming power. Increased concentrations of Carbopol tend to result in higher gel viscosity, thus affecting the overall characteristics of the gel. Thus, the selection of the right Carbopol concentration is essential to obtain gel preparations with optimal physical quality.