ALKANNA TINCTORIA AS A NATURAL COSMETIC COLORANT: EXTRACTION, CHARACTERIZATION AND FORMULATION

Most cosmetic products are all about a range of colors, and the cosmetic industry relies heavily on synthetic colorants.The synthetic colorants contain a lot of heavy metals such as lead, nickel, mercury, zinc, cobalt, etc. which enter the ecosystem through industrial discharge into air and water, creating a huge concern for the environment and health risks.Hence, the consumer's need and interest have driven them towards plant-based alternatives to the synthetic colorants in the cosmetic products.Alkanna tinctoria, which is commonly known as Ratanjot in India, is very famous for the red dye produced by its roots.It possesses anti-oxidant properties and bioactive compounds like naphthoquinones-alkannins and shikonins, which are majorly responsible for the natural red color it produces.This study delves into developing a natural colorant from the roots of Alkanna tinctoria with an eco-friendly