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.