3.9 Formulation of fungal cosmetic colorants
The formulations were developed with the aim of evaluating whether the fungal extracts, in addition to presenting antimicrobial activity and low toxicity, could potentially be incorporated into products for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. Five cream formulations were tested. The organoleptic characteristics (appearance, color, and odor) and pH were analyzed, and samples were also submitted to the pre-stability test.
When incorporated with the fungal extracts, they appeared as a cream with a shiny, homogeneous appearance, without lumps or fine granulations, and had an attractive color and light texture (Fig. 6). The formulation remained stable after the centrifugation test and presented no changes in color or odor during the period evaluated. The pH of the formulations did not change significantly during the period studied, and remained within a slightly acidic pH range, which is compatible with the pH of human skin.
Colorant 1, which was obtained from the Penicillium sclerotiorumP3SO224 strain, showed satisfactory results when incorporated into the cream base as it had a more attractive color and an inhibitory effect against E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and C.albicans ATCC 60193 strains. As a result, it was selected for a soap development test (Fig. 7) in order to assess its potential for incorporation into skin care products. The results of the tests involving the formulation showed to be promising with the incorporation of the colorant in a glycerin-base soap that had a homogeneous appearance, no lumps and production of adequate amounts of foam.