Abstract

• Natural preservative effect of betel leaves essential oil on the shelf-life of the peel-off facial mask was studied in the present research. Different concentrations (0.1 %v/w, 0.15 %v/w, 0.2 %v/w, 0.25 %v/w, 0.3 %v/w) of betel leaves essential oil were added into previously formulated peel-off facial mask for consumer like cosmetic product. 0.25 % v/w betel leaves essential oil was found to be suitable for the consumer like peel-off facial mask based on sensory evaluation and skin irritation test. Its preservative effect on the shelf-life of the finished product was observed monthly by changes in pH and viscosity. Microbiological examination such as total plate count (TPC) and total count of yeasts and molds was conducted monthly. Slightly changes in pH and viscosity were observed after six months storage at the room temperature (27-30 ºC). Bacterial constituents in terms of total plate count in peel-off facial mask were under acceptable limit of up to 103 cfu/g until six-month storage. The growth of yeasts and molds was found in six- month aged peel-off facial mask.