Formulation and evaluation of peel-off gel mask with St. John's Wort oil and activated carbon from pine cone

Skin needs care to protect against environmental pollution. The facial skin can be protected such as cream, peel off mask and lotion facemask. This study aim is to develop the antibacterial peel-off mask gel containing St. John's Wort oil (Hypericum perforatum oil). This peel-off gel mask consists of ascorbic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, as preservative), polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycerine (as plasticizer), polysorbate (tween 20, as stabilizer), ethanol and distilled water with the addition of St. John's Wort Oil and active carbon. The peel-off physical properties (homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, film-drying time), chemical properties (pH value, stability and antibacterial activity properties) were examined. Using of an active ingredient in peel off mask, it strengthens the role of peel off mask by opening the clogged pores. Activated carbon (AC) was added to this formulation as an active ingredient due to its adsorbent activity. In this present study, activated carbon was obtained from pine cone (PC). The specific surface area (SBET) of activated carbon was found to be 536.998 m²/g. The antimicrobial activity of the St. John's Wort oil was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) as well as one pathogenic fungus (Candida albicans, ATCC 10231). Disc diffusion method was used to study antimicrobial activity. The prepared peel of mask showed a good peeling feature without causing edema or irritation on the skin and that it can increase skin cleansing by removing the dirt in the skin pores.