POTENTIALITY OF INCORPORATING COCOA LIQUOR IN SKIN CARE COSMETICS

Halal cosmetics, generally derived from plant-based materials, are receiving much interestamongst health-conscious consumers and cosmetic industry. Cocoa liquor, a paste producedfrom ground cocoa (Theobrama cacao L.) beans, is a natural source of antioxidants withpotential health benefits. The present study was conducted to determine the prospect ofincorporating cocoa liquor in skin care cosmetics complementing its ability in protecting theskin by warding off free radicals from the environment. The amount of total phenolic contents(TPC) in cocoa liquor was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method using gallicacid as a standard, and various concentrations of extract sample were measured at 765 nm.Total flavonoid contents (TFC) were measured by using aluminium chloride colorimetricassay. Rutin was used as a standard and the absorbance was measured at 405 nm. The 1,1-diphenyl-1-picylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was estimated and absorbance was measured at 517 nm. At the highest concentration of 1000 ppm, both TPC andTFC recorded values of 131.97 mg GAE/g and 4.10 mg RE/g dried weight of samplerespectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was recorded at the highest concentrationof 87.99% with EC50 value of 30.33 mg/mL. The various concentrations implied differentlevels of antioxidant properties. The results suggest that cocoa liquor is a potential source ofphytochemicals. The study presented scientific validation on phytochemical contents of cocoaliquor showing presence of bioactive compounds with nutritional and therapeutic values whichhave positive impact on skin health and suggesting its prospective use in value-added productssuch as skin care cosmetics.