Characteristics of Body Scrub Preparations Formulated from Ulva lactuca Salt Residue and Rice (Oryza sativa) Flour

Ulva lactuca seaweed has the potential to be utilized in the cosmetic field because of its bioactive compound content. The processing of U. lactuca into salt produces a residue in the form of coarse granules, which has the potential to be used as a natural abrasive agent in body scrub formulations to replace synthetic microbeads that pose environmental pollution risks. However, the use of salt residue alone may affect the comfort and physical characteristics of the formulation; therefore, an additional natural ingredient is required. White rice (Oryza sativa) was selected as a supporting material because it contains antioxidant compounds and has mild abrasive properties that have long been utilized in skin care. This study aimed to determine the best formulation of white addition in a body scrub based on 7% U. lactuca salt residue according to the chemical and physical characteristics of the formulation. The body scrub was formulated using 7% U. lactuca salt residue with the addition of white rice at concentrations of 6%, 8%, and 10%. The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor. The results showed that the best body scrub formulation was obtained with the addition of 8% white rice (F2). This formulation exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and contained phenolic compounds. Formulation F2 (8%) showed good physical characteristics, with pH and viscosity values that met the requirements of SNI 16-4399-1996 for cosmetic preparations. The formulation was also able to increase skin moisture from dry to moisturized conditions and did not cause skin irritation, indicating its potential to be developed as an environmentally friendly body scrub. This formulation has the potential to be developed as a green body scrub as an alternative to synthetic microbeads.