Antioxidant activity and formulation development of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) extract for an under-eye hydrogel mask
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55674/cs.v19i1.266968Keywords:
Cucumis sativus, Ultrasound-assisted extraction, Polysaccharides, Antioxidant activity, Hydrogel maskAbstract
The periorbital region is susceptible to oxidative stress and visible signs of skin aging. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a natural source of antioxidant-related constituents. This study compared ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and shaking extraction (SKE) of cucumber and developed an antioxidant-oriented under-eye hydrogel mask. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and polysaccharide contents were determined, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes was included as an exploratory screening assay. UAE produced extracts with higher phenolic (38.14 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoid (51.33 mg QE/g extract), and polysaccharide contents than SKE and showed stronger antioxidant activity. No inhibition zone or definable MIC against C. acnes was observed under the tested conditions. The selected F3 hydrogel formulation containing 1.5% w/w cucumber extract maintained a pH of 5.51–5.56 and showed no visible phase separation, cracking, or changes in color and transparency after eight heating–cooling cycles. Cucumber extract obtained by UAE showed favorable antioxidant-related characteristics and was successfully incorporated into an under-eye hydrogel mask. The formulation may be considered an antioxidant-oriented natural cosmetic prototype for periorbital skincare and is not presented as an anti-acne treatment.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
HIGHLIGHTS
- Superior Extraction Efficiency:Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) significantly outperformed shaking extraction (SKE) in recovering total phenolics, flavonoids, and polysaccharides from Cucumis sativus, leading to enhanced antioxidant performance in both DPPH and FRAP assays.
- Optimal Formulation and Stability:The under-eye hydrogel mask developed with a 1.5% ww-1 cucumber extract loading (F3 base) exhibited excellent physical stability, high transparency, and a smooth, elastic texture suitable for periorbital skincare.
- Indirect Anti-Acne Potential:While the cucumber extract showed no direct antibacterial activity against acnes, its high antioxidant and barrier-supporting properties suggest its potential as a gentle, soothing agent for managing periorbital skin health.
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