Formulation and Evaluation of some Cosmetic preparations using novel natural colorant from Ixora coccinea

The present work aimed to formulate various cosmetic formulations comprising of extract of Ixora coccinea (Raktaka). As a natural coloring agent to overcome the drawbacks associated with synthetic colorants, since the synthetic coloring agents may cause allergic reactions and are reported to be carcinogenic. Dried and powdered flowers of Ixora coccinea produces red color. The obtained color was used as a natural colorant in the preparation of different cosmetic preparations namely Lipstick, Rouge, and Eye shadow. Different ingredients such as Bees wax, Carnauba wax, White soft paraffin, castor oil, rice starch, floral essence, and lemon juice etc were used to formulate the aforesaid cosmetics using the extracted color. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various evaluation tests such as color, texture, pH, perfume stability, melting point, breaking point, softening point, surface anomalies, aging stability, thixotropy, skin irritation test depending upon its type. The results of evaluation tests revealed that melting point of the prepared lipstick formulation were observed in the range of 62-64°C. The breaking point of all the prepared lipstick formulations noted in the range of 31 - 34gm. Force of application was noted to be good for all the formulations. Thixotropy character was observed in the range of 8.89 to 9.69. Softening point was found to be in the range 52 to 60°C. Eye shadow and rouge shows good adhesion property, proper color dispersion, with melting point 49°C patch test on volunteer showed no signs of skin irritation. The results of the study verified that the color extracted from the dried and powdered flower of Ixora coccinea may prove to be a beneficial choice and work as an alternative for the synthetic colorants in various cosmetic formulations, which are known to cause allergic reactions and are reported to be carcinogenic.