Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of a Blush-On Stick Containing Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Extract as a Natural Colorant

Background: Blush on stick is a decorative cosmetic product that can be developed using natural colorants. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) contains anthocyanins as natural pigments and bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant activity. Objective: This study aimed to formulate strawberry extract as a natural colorant in a blush on stick preparation, evaluate its physical characteristics, and determine its antioxidant activity. Methods: This experimental study involved the preparation of strawberry extract, formulation of blush on stick using the fusion method, evaluation of organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, and spreadability, as well as antioxidant activity testing using the DPPH method. The formulations consisted of F0 without extract and F1, F2, and F3 containing 20%, 30%, and 40% strawberry extract, respectively. Results: All formulations showed good homogeneity without phase separation and had a pH of 6, which was within the appropriate range for skin. Increasing the extract concentration resulted in greater color intensity, with the 40% dried extract producing the most optimal brick-red color. This formulation also showed the highest spreadability of 3.80 ± 0.26 cm under a 150 g load. DPPH testing demonstrated that the preparations exhibited antioxidant activity, which tended to increase with increasing extract concentration. Conclusion: Strawberry extract can be formulated as a natural colorant in blush on stick with good physical characteristics and antioxidant activity. The 40% dried extract formulation showed the most optimal characteristics.