Formulation and physical quality test of Taro leaf extract hand cream preparation (Colocasia esculenta L.)

Hand skin that is often exposed to hand washing activities and excessive use of hand sanitizers is prone to dryness, so it requires a safe and effective moisturizing preparation. Taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta L.) contain secondary metabolite compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and steroids that have the potential to be used as active ingredients in hand cream preparations. This study aims to formulate and evaluate the physical quality of taro leaf extract hand cream preparations and determine the best formula. The study used laboratory experimental methods with extraction by maceration and remaceration using 96% ethanol. The hand cream preparation is formulated in three variations of extract concentration, namely F1 (2%), F2 (4%), and F3 (6%), and is compared with negative control (F0) and positive control (commercial synthetic hand cream). The physical quality evaluation includes organoleptic tests, emulsion type, homogeneity, pH, dispersibility, adhesion, and viscosity, which are then statistically analyzed using the One Way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test. The results showed that taro leaf extract had a yield of 17.5% and positively contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. The entire formula meets the requirements of organoleptic, homogeneity, emulsion type (M/A), pH, dispersability, and adhesion, while the viscosity test only meets the requirements on F2 and F3. Statistical analysis showed that variations in extract concentrations had a significant effect on pH, dispersibility, adhesion, and viscosity (p<0.05). The F2 formula (4%) is the best formula because it meets all physical quality parameters and has the most optimal physical characteristics, comparable to commercial positive controls. These findings confirm the potential of taro leaf extract as a natural active ingredient in the development of hand skin moisturizing cosmetic preparations, while opening up further research opportunities regarding the biological activity and long-term stability of the preparation.