The Efficacy of Guyabano (Annona Muricata Linnaeus) as

an Alternative Moisturizer

An Investigatory Research presented to the

Faculty of School of Basic Education
PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Urdaneta Campus

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

Science Investigatory Project 8

By:
ANTIOQUIA, PRINCE MOISES F.
CAMPOS, SAMANTHA NICOLE A.
CENAS, EVANDER PHILIPPE S.
DACAYAN, MAICA ANGELA P..
FONTANILLA, JOSH BENEDICT S.
JAVIER, ANDREW KINNETH C.
LOMBOY, JOHN CARLO C.
MURILLO, MARCUS XANDER C.

May 2023
ABSTRACT
 This study assessed Guyabano as an alternative moisturizer compared
to commercial products. The Guyabano moisturizer was made by pounding
Guyabano and combining it with other ingredients. It evaluated appearance,
odor, texture, and compared it to commercial moisturizers in terms of price
and materials used. The shelf life was also determined. The Guyabano
moisturizer was formulated by pounding Guyabano and combining it with
other ingredients. However, based on the findings, further improvements in
the formulation and methods are necessary. Specifically, the appearance of
the moisturizer needs enhancement to make it more visually appealing to
consumers. Additionally, the formulation should be optimized to address the
issue of spoilage and extend the product's shelf life beyond one week. This
can be achieved through stability testing to determine the optimal storage
conditions and by exploring alternative natural preservatives to prevent
spoilage. Adjusting the ingredient ratios may also contribute to improving
the product's stability and appearance. By implementing these
improvements, the Guyabano moisturizer can be refined to offer a more
attractive and long-lasting alternative to commercial moisturizers.

Based on the findings, further improvements are needed for the

Guyabano moisturizer to be a viable alternative. Laboratory analysis is
recommended, including stability testing to determine optimal storage
conditions and extend shelf life, microbiological analysis to identify
contaminants, and formulation optimization with alternative natural
preservatives and adjusted ingredient ratios. Sensory evaluation and a
comparative analysis with commercial moisturizers are also advised. These
actions can refine the Guyabano moisturizer, offering a more appealing and
effective alternative. This contributes to affordable and eco-friendly skincare
options, promoting sustainability and safe alternatives.

Keywords: guyabano, moisturizer, microbiological, skincare

 INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The hot climate in the Philippines, with temperatures reaching up to

32.0 degrees Celsius on hot days, can have detrimental effects on skin
health. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and high temperatures can
lead to sunburn, dehydration, heat rash, hyperpigmentation, and accelerated
skin aging. Sunburn can cause redness, pain, and peeling, while dehydration
can result in dry and dull skin. Heat rash can cause discomfort and itching.
The intense sun exposure can also trigger the overproduction of melanin,
leading to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Additionally, chronic
exposure to the hot climate can accelerate skin aging, resulting in wrinkles,
fine lines, and sagging skin. To protect the skin, it is essential to use sun
protection, stay hydrated, moisturize the skin, use antioxidant-rich skincare
products, and employ cooling measures. By adopting these practices, it is
possible to minimize the risk of skin damage and maintain healthier skin in a
hot climate.

In a survey conducted by Warden (2009) the survey had 89

respondents, the survey had two questions. The first question asked if they
use moisturizer or not. Only 3 of the 89 respondents said no and their reason
was because their skin is too oily, or haven’t been able to find one that
doesn’t cause breakouts, or isn’t scented.The second question asked them if
they used a moisturizer, and what do they not like about their current
moisturizer.

In an article conducted by Sun, et.al (2022) Keeping the skin tender

and beautiful is our common wish, especially for females. Skin dryness
highlights wrinkles, making an individual look older. As the largest organ of
the human body, the skin serves as a barrier between the cells and the
external environment, covering most of the human body. The water content
(10% to 20%) of the stratum corneum is essential to maintain the integrity of
the structure and function of the skin barrier system, which plays a decisive
role in skin health. Skin barrier dysfunction due to environmental factors or
diseases leads to skin dryness, roughness, and chapped skin, which is also a
most commonly seen skin problem, especially in winter. Topical moisturizers,
as the most widely used components of basic skin care, increase skin
hydration by preventing water loss from the skin surface, which is known as
“moisturizing from the outside.” Moisturizers are safer in contrast to
conventional medicines utilized by doctors. Nevertheless, uncomfortable skin
reactions from topical preparations, like sensory reactions or subjective
sensations (no signs of inflammatory events), may still be encountered after
application. For example, facial skin, which exhibits more sensitivity in
contrast to other body regions often, suffers from smarting, burning, and
stinging sensations among individuals using dermatological preparations.
Meanwhile, the skin, as living tissue, requires nourishment to keep itself
healthy . The needed nutrients are predominantly derived from foods rather
than merely topical preparations.

A moisturizer is a skincare item intended to keep the skin's moisture

level stable. It is a necessity for every skincare regimen and is not just for
dry skin. This covers skin types with oily, combination, and sensitive
components. A moisturizer's main function is to hydrate the skin and then
lock in moisture. The best moisturizers might also have extra advantages
including fewer aging symptoms, acne treatment, and sun protection.

In a study carrioud out by Lodén (2015) A daily moisturizing routine is

a vital part of the management of patients with dry skin conditions. The
composition of the moisturizer determines whether the treatment
strengthens or deteriorates the skin barrier function, which may have
consequences for the outcome of the dermatitis. One might expect that a
patient's impaired skin barrier function should improve in association with a
reduction in the clinical signs of dryness. Despite visible relief of the dryness
symptoms, however, the abnormal transepidermal water loss has been
reported to remain high, or even to increase under certain regimens,
whereas other moisturizers improve skin barrier function. Differing outcomes
have also been reported in healthy skin: some moisturizers produce
deterioration in skin barrier function and others improve the skin. Possible
targets for barrier-influencing moisturizing creams include the intercellular
lipid bilayers, where the fraction of lipids forming a fluid phase might be
changed due to compositional or organizational changes. Other targets are
the projected size of the corneocytes or the thickness of the stratum
corneum.

Some of the benefits of a using a moisturizer is decreasing skin issues,

due to
the imbalance that results from dryness, your skin may experience a variety
of problems. Increased redness, more acne cases, and even glossy skin due
to an overactive oil production may be visible. Another benefit that you get
from using a moisturizer is looking and feeling young and it helps fight
wrinkles. Your skin generally replaces cells in some locations more regularly
than in others. Your chest, ears, entire face, and neck may fall within this
category. Your skin may be more vulnerable to the weather's effects and the
sun's rays when it is young and healthy.

In an article published by Devos (2023). The article stated the few

benefits that you can gain by using a moisturizer which are. Preventing
dryness of the skin moisturizers help protect the skin barrier from irritation.
According to dermatologists, it also aids in preventing the development of
dry skin or treating dry skin. A good moisturizer will protect your skin from
cracking and infection during the harsh weather. It also stated that it soothes
sensitive skin, due to a moisturizer making the water content balanced and
the skin hydrated.

A moisturizer is helpful for a good skin care routine because it contains

many
ingredients which are beneficial for the skin like Humectants, Emollients,
Occlusives, Antioxidants. Some ingredients are extremely beneficial to the
skin, locking in moisture and protecting the barrier function of the skin.

Humectants are helpful for the skin by drawing water from the middle
layer of
the skin to the outer layer. Emollients are advantageous for the skin by
filling the gaps of the skin which contains the fatty substances. Occlusives
are beneficial for the skin by increasing the water content of the skin by
slowing evaporation. Antioxidants support the skin by reducing cell damage
caused by oxidation.

Guyabano was chosen for this study because of its natural properties
which is
Antioxidants and Phosphorus. The texture and consistency of its flesh when
pounded is perfect to be applied to the skin when used.

Guyabano contains antioxidants also good for the skin due to it

containing Carotenoids which can reduce the risk of skin cancer because
some of them can break down into vitamin A which can protect against
premature skin damage from the Sun’s UV Rays. Moreover Guyabano also
contains potassium which helps the skin by supporting the rapid growth of
new cells. Additionally it also contains phosphate commonly referred to as
phosphorus, it is mostly used to improve the texture and sensory of the skin
product. While others may believe it's simply another expense with minimal
impact. The advantages of moisturizing your face every day, though, are lost
if you are one of those people who ignore this skin-care routine.

In an article by Purnamawati (2017), it stated moisturizer is a major

component of basic daily skin care, particularly in presence of epidermal
barrier alteration and reduced epidermal water content.

This study is limited to creating an alternative moisturizer made from

Guyabano using cost-effective materials to create an affordable moisturizer
and to also investigate its physical properties in terms of appearance, odor,
texture, price and materials used. In addition, this study is significant for
people, especially those who have dry skin.It offers lots of benefits, like
helping the skin retain its natural barrier and help move the water from the
middle layer of the skin to the outer. Moreover, this study is helpful for
people who does not have the budget or money to afford skin products.
Lastly this study can be a useful resource for other/future researchers by
providing extra information and factual data which can enhance their
analysis of related literature.

Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to create a moisturizer made out of Guyabano and

observe the
difference between the commercialized products and the one in the market.
And answer the following questions:
1.What are the potential properties of the Guyabano in the formulation of the
product in terms of?
A. Appearance
B. Odor
C. Texture
2. What is the difference between the Guyabano Moisturizer and the
commercialized products in terms of?
A. Price
B. Materials Used

3. What is the shelf life of the moisturizer?

Hypotheses
1.The appearance of the moisturizer will not be attractive to the consumer,
while the odor smells like Guyabano, Lastly the texture will be creamy.

2.The gap between the price of both is minimal. There is only a minimal
difference in the amount of materials used between the commercialized
product and the Guyabano Moisturizer.

3.The shelf life of the moisturizer will not last long due to it not containing
any kind of preservatives.

METHODOLOGY

This section presents the research design, locale and population,

preparation and gathering of materials, product formulation, ethical
considerations, and treatment of data that the researchers will employ to
attain the study’s purpose.

Research Design

This study made use of experimental research design to test the

efficacy of the guyabano as moisturizer. This design will help the researchers
to describe the efficacy of the guyabano as a moisturizer. The experimental
research design will be used by the researchers to gather data through
observation. With this method the researchers will be able to write a clear
conclusion about the efficacy of guyabano as a moisturizer

Locale and Population

The study will take place in Panpacific University - Urdaneta Campus.

The target population are affected with skin problems with dry, and itchy
skin.

Preparation and Gathering of Materials

A. Collection of Samples

The ingredients used in this study were gathered from Urdaneta

City. Plaza, Urdaneta City and, SM, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. The
researchers gathered 1 sample of guyabano, coconut oil, vitamin e,
lavender essential oil. The plant used in this study was analyzed at
Pangasinan State University Santa Maria, Pangasinan Campus for the
plant identification and certification.

B. Preparation

To guarantee safety precautions were followed, the researchers

wore plastic gloves for the making of the moisturizer. The Guyabano
was skinned afterwards. After the skinning process the guyabano’s
seeds were then removed and the Guyabano was transferred to a
mortar and pestle or blender. The product was then pounded until its
texture turned smooth and creamy while on the other hand the
 Guyabano was blended. The pounded Guyabano was moved to a
plastic container, The blended Guyabano was also moved to a plastic
container, and consequently, 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil was placed in
the plastic container along with 1 capsule of vitamin e and 12 drops of
lavender essential oil. The mixture was then stirred until the
ingredients were distributed evenly. The mixture was left for 30
minutes. After 30 minutes the product was stored at room
temperature.

Product Formulation

The researchers prepared the materials for the experimentation

process by wearing plastic gloves for hygiene and also to not contaminate
the product with any chemicals.

First, the guyabano’s skin was peeled. Afterwards the guyabano’s

seeds were then removed before being transferred to a mortar and pestle or
blender

Second, the researchers then prepared other materials, including

virgin coconut oil, vitamin e, lavender essential oil.The researchers added
1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil and 1 capsule of vitamin e, subsequently 12
drops of lavender essential oil in a plastic container.

Third, the mixture was stirred until the ingredients were distributed
evenly. It was left for 30 minutes until stored at room temperature.

Ethical Consideration

To ensure the researchers were safe while conducting the experiment

for this study they wore plastic gloves. It is necessary that the method of
creating the moisturizer was done in a way that lessens the risk of
potentially damaging the environment while still ensuring the safety of the
people involved in the experiment.

Treatment of Data

No statistical treatment was applied due to the researchers only

wanting to observe its physical properties and difference between the
commercialized products as well as its shelf life which only requires
describing their observations and does not necessarily need statistical
treatment.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter discusses the data that was collected from the
investigations of the product

Table 1: Formulation of the Guyabano moisturizer

TRIALS PROCESS OBSERVATIONS

First The first trial was created by using a The pounding part took
mortar and pestle to pound a a long time due to the
guyabano until its texture was smooth guyabano’s texture
and creamy which is appropriate for having a hard time
a skin moisturizer. being smooth evenly.

Second The second trial was made by utilizing The blending part was
a blend to blend the guyabano to very simple to do
make its texture consistent in being because of the blender
smooth and creamy. which are commonly
known to be used to
make shakes which are
smooth and creamy.

The researchers found out that using 2 different equipment makes a

change in the process and conclusion of making the product. Therefore the
researchers conclude that manually pounding the guyabano was a less
efficient way in creating the product and using a machine to blend it was
more efficient.

Table 2: Difference of Guyabano moisturizer compared to commercialized

product

INDICATORS Alternative Commercialized

Price 418.5 842.250

Materials used 3 tablespoons (45 1 sample of

grams) shea butter, 3 guyabano(1 kg), 1
tablespoons (45 tablespoon (15 grams)
milliliters) apricot seed of virgin coconut oil, 1
oil, 1 teaspoon vitamin capsule of vitamin e, 12
E oil, 1 teaspoon aloe drops (0.61 grams) of
vera gel, 10 to 15 drops lavender essential oil,
essential oil
 In a study conducted by Ludwig (2020), the highest average price of
skin products ($14.99/oz converted to PHP or Philippine Peso is 841.614 ₱
whereas the Guyabano moisturizer costed only 418.5 which includes all the
materials used except the blender and mortar and pestle. Thus, the
researchers concluded that the guyabano moisturizer is a more affordable
option than other skincare products.

Table 3: Shelf life of the Guyabano moisturizer

INDICATORS First week Second week Third week

Appearance The appearance The appearance The appearance

of the guyabano looked more and looked dreadful,
started to look more terrible
awful,

Odor The fragrance of The original odor The original odor

the original odor could not be could not be
could still be smelled that smelled anymore
smelled but it much anymore instead it started
started to smell instead it was to smell musty or
different replaced by a stale due to
compared to different off- molds being
when it was first smelling scent. present.
created

Texture The texture of The texture of The texture of

the guyabano the moisturizer the moisturizer
was most of it showed it show because of
still looked like starting to circle the molds and
when it was first and some of it the brownish
made but some became limps. spots it became
 turned solid and Brownish parts sticky and lumps
some turned to were also started to appear
lumps spotted more.

First and foremost In the 1st week the guyabano began to show signs
of spoiling during the first week, including bubbling, an unpleasant stench,
and a texture that varied from being mostly smooth to having lumps in
certain places. Secondly In the 2nd week the moisturizer was already spoiled
because the researchers noticed brownish stains beginning to emerge in the
second week. The product's appearance was terrible, the odor was off, the
texture began to curdle, and some of the product separated and became
lumpy. Lastly in the 3rd week the reddish spots become more noticeable
and there were additional lumps by the third week. Its appearance looked
horrendous, and the . The odor was putrid. The texture was comparable to
mayonnaise or yogurt. Mold was discovered. Hence the researchers
concluded that the shelf life of the guyabano moisturizer was only 1 week
before it started to deteriorate

CONCLUSION

The moisturizer made from Guyabano appears to be a beneficial

product. Its successful outcome can be credited to its natural properties
which are suitable for a good skin product. Such as its odor which smells
good paired with a Lavender and coconut scent.

Furthermore, the product has great texture which is desirable in

creating a moisturizing cream. Its texture is smooth and light when applied
to the skin.

Moreover, the shelf life of the moisturizer only lasts for a week due to it
not containing any kind of preservatives. The shelf life of fruits varies from
weeks to months. But when exposed to oxygen or left open, a fruit’s shelf life
will shorten by a lot. But in this instance the fruit that is being used is
Guyabano which normally lasts 1-2 days when left outside or stored at room
temperature. So, as to not freeze the moisturizer it was stored in a room at
room temperature. It only lasted a week before it started to show signs of
spoilage like, odor turning vile, the product started to stick to the sides.

Overall, the skin moisturizer is a useful product to those who wanted to

try an alternative moisturizer with an affordable price.However, the product
also has its own fair share of pros and cons. Starting with the pros of the
product its affordability comes from the materials used which are available
to almost every household. The odor of the moisturizer is also very pleasing
to the human body because of the ingredients used which are guyabano
paired with a lavender and coconut scent. Which is a combination that many
others consider an aromatic, sweet, fragrant smell.
Now with the cons of the product, the short shelf life is a major reason for the
downsides of the moisturizer because of it making the appearance of the
product look horrendous after a week, the odor smelling foul, texture starting
to become sticky than normal.
RECOMMENDATION
 The purpose of this study was to determine the physical properties and
the variation of the guyabano moisturizer and the commercialized ones as
well as to identify the shelf life of the moisturizer. All of these were met but
there were some things that the researchers noticed to better the product.

Furthermore, it is recommended to have laboratory tests to apply

laboratory analysis to accurately identify the physical characteristics and
properties of the Guyabano.

The researchers additionally recommend for a survey to be used in

future studies about what do most skin products people prefer compared to
the guyabano moisturizer. The researchers also recommend using
preservatives to prolong the shelf life of the moisturizer in future studies .

REFERENCES
● Sun, Q., & Wu, J. (2022, June 2). Effectiveness of Dietary Supplement for Skin
Moisturizing in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Randomized Controlled Trials. frontiersin.org.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.895192/full

● Lodén, M. (2015, May). ″Effect of moisturizers on epidermal barrier function.

sciencedirect.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X11002197

● Devos, S. (2023, January 15). 9 Amazing Benefits of Moisturizing Your Face

Daily – Misumi Luxury Beauty Care. Misumi Skincare.
https://misumiskincare.com/blogs/news/9-amazing-benefits-of-moisturizing-
your-face-daily

● Purnamawati, S., & Indrastuti, N. (n.d.). The Role of Moisturizers in

Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. NCBI.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/

● Ludwig, C. (2023, March). ″Allergenic potential, marketing claims and pricing

of facial moisturizers. International Journal of women's dermatology.
https://journals.lww.com/ijwd/Fulltext/2020/06000/Allergenic_potential,_mark
eting_claims_and_pricing.56.aspx