POTENTIALITY OF INCORPORATING COCOA LIQUOR IN SKIN CARE COSMETICS

Abstract

Halal cosmetics, generally derived from plant-based materials, are receiving much interest
amongst health-conscious consumers and cosmetic industry. Cocoa liquor, a paste produced
from ground cocoa (Theobrama cacao L.) beans, is a natural source of antioxidants with
potential health benefits. The present study was conducted to determine the prospect of
incorporating cocoa liquor in skin care cosmetics complementing its ability in protecting the
skin 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 gallic
acid as a standard, and various concentrations of extract sample were measured at 765 nm.
Total flavonoid contents (TFC) were measured by using aluminium chloride colorimetric
assay. 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 and
TFC recorded values of 131.97 mg GAE/g and 4.10 mg RE/g dried weight of sample
respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was recorded at the highest concentration
of 87.99% with EC50 value of 30.33 mg/mL. The various concentrations implied different
levels of antioxidant properties. The results suggest that cocoa liquor is a potential source of
phytochemicals. The study presented scientific validation on phytochemical contents of cocoa
liquor showing presence of bioactive compounds with nutritional and therapeutic values which
have positive impact on skin health and suggesting its prospective use in value-added products
such as skin care cosmetics.