Antibacterial activity and proximate analysis of Sargassum extracts as cosmetic additives in a moisturizer cream

Abstract

Indonesia is known for its marine biodiversity, including the richness of its brown seaweed, Sargassum. This genus has attracted many attention as it produces active compounds showing potential for the food, pharmacology and cosmetic industries. In this study, a mixture of S. duplicatum, S. echinocarpum and S. polycystum extracts was applied as an additive in a moisturizer cream serving as an antibacterial agent. Proximate analysis was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition in Sargassum spp. There were 5 moisturizer creams prepared: A (standard), B (without antibacterial agent), C (with antibacterial agent), D (with Sargassum extracts and antibacterial agent) and E (with Sargassum extracts but without antibacterial agent). Antibacterial analyses showed that cream E had the best antibacterial activity in this study. It indicates that the crude extract of Sargassum added in the cream could inhibit the development of bacteria for a longer period of time. Bioactive compounds contained in S. duplicatum, S. echinocarpum, S. polycystum are steroids, quinones, flavonoids and alkaloids. Saponins were only found in S. duplicatum. The five cosmetic creams presented adequate odor and color. These results indicate that Sargassum shows a promising potential as a cosmetic additive that could replace commercial antibacterial agents.