Abstract

Natural ingredients such as cashew leaves extract could be an attractive candidate in cosmetic formulation. However, the plant extracts are normally dark brown and greenish color that might spoil the appearance of the products if they are added in cosmetic formulation. In order to solve this problem, use of activated carbon was tested to eliminate the intense color of plant extract without affecting the cosmeceutical properties. Ethanol and water extracts of cashew leaves were compared for the cosmeceutical properties mainly antioxidants. The system was tested with different concentrations of cashew leaves extract (CLE-5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) for solid and liqufied form of cashew leaves extract (CLE) before treatment with activated carbon  and after treatment with (10, 15, 20 and 25 g). The study shows that 15 g activated carbon using 20% CLE (water) produces 0.13 radical scavenging activity (RSC%) antioxidant. Moreover, using a similar system, 25% CL (ethanol) produces 0.10 (RSC%) antioxidants.

Key words: Antioxidant properties, ethanol extract, water extract, cashew leaves, cosmeceutical.