Biofarmasetikal Tropis (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 Formulation And Evaluation Of Lip Balm Preparation From Watermelon Seed Extract (Citrullus lanatu.
As Lip Moisturizer Alter Y.
Runtu1*.
Soniya Tumuju1.
Douglas N.
Pareta1.
Andry Natanel1.
Anggelina A.
Pangalila1.
Aldolfina Sumangando2.
Marshella M.
Mokoagouw1 Department of Pharmacy.
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Christian University of Indonesia in Tomohon Department of Biology.
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Christian University of Indonesia in Tomohon *Corresponding author.
alter18runtu@gmail.
Accepted: 26 September 2025.
Approved : 16 Oktober 2025
ABSTRAK
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memformulasikan dan mengevaluasi sediaan lip balm yang mengandung ekstrak biji semangka (Citrullus lanatu.
sebagai agen pelembap bibir alami yang aman dan efektif, seiring meningkatnya kebutuhan akan kosmetik berbahan dasar tanaman.
Ekstrak diperoleh melalui metode maserasi, kemudian dibuat empat formula lip balm dengan konsentrasi ekstrak sebesar 0%, 3%, 6%, dan 9%.
Evaluasi sediaan meliputi uji karakteristik fisik, uji iritasi, uji hedonik, serta uji stabilitas selama penyimpanan 10 minggu.
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa seluruh formula bersifat stabil, memiliki nilai pH dan titik lebur yang sesuai, serta tidak menimbulkan iritasi.
Peningkatan konsentrasi ekstrak secara signifikan meningkatkan daya sebar dan efektivitas pelembap, dengan formula 9% menjadi yang paling disukai oleh panelis.
Dengan demikian, ekstrak biji semangka berpotensi sebagai bahan aktif alami yang aman dan efektif untuk sediaan perawatan bibir.
Kata kunci: Citrullus lanatus, lip balm, ekstrak biji semangka, pelembap alami, evaluasi
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a lip balm preparation containing watermelon seed extract (Citrullus lanatu.
as a safe and effective natural lip moisturizer, in response to the increasing demand for plant-based cosmetic products.
The extract was obtained using the maceration method, and four lip balm formulations were prepared with extract concentrations of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%.
The preparations were evaluated through physical characterization tests, irritation assessment, hedonic evaluation, and stability testing over a 10-week storage period.
The results indicated that all formulations were stable, exhibited acceptable pH values and melting points, and did not cause irritation.
Increasing extract concentration significantly improved spreadability and moisturizing performance, with the 9% formulation receiving the highest preference among panelists.
These findings suggest that watermelon seed extract has strong potential as a natural and safe active ingredient for lip care formulations.
Keywords:
Citrullus lanatus, lip balm, watermelon seed extract, natural moisturizer, formulation INTRODUCTION skin on the lips is highly vulnerable to environmental factors such1 as extreme temperatures and UV exposure, which may cause dryness and chapping2.
Although many Cosmetics, particularly lip care products, have become an essential necessity because the Biofarmasetikal Tropis (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 commercial products still contain synthetic3 ingredients, such as petroleum jelly, which may potentially lead to adverse effects, there is an increasing trend toward the use of natural-based cosmetic ingredients4.
Previous research has shown the potential of watermelon fruit and rind extracts as moisturizers and UV protectors3.
However, exploration of watermelon seeds for similar applications is still limited.
Empirically, watermelon seeds have long been used in traditional medicine5, and phytochemical studies show the presence of beneficial compounds such as flavonoids and essential fatty acids .
specially linoleic aci.
6, which has natural emollient properties and potentially helps maintain lip moisture5.
Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by formulating a lip balm preparation using watermelon seed extract as the main active ingredient and testing its effectiveness as a lip moisturizer.
e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 This research employed an experimental laboratory approach aimed at formulating, preparing, and evaluating lip balm preparations containing watermelon seed extract7.
Research procedure Preparation of Watermelon Seed Extract Fresh watermelon seeds were obtained from a plantation in Matani Village.
South Minahasa.
A total of 705 g of seeds were washed and oven-dried at 60AC for 60 minutes7 until the weight decreased to 455 g.
The dried seeds were then ground into Extraction was carried out using the maceration method by soaking 455 g of seed powder in 1 L of n-hexane for 3 y 24 The resulting macerate was filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 40AC until a thick extract was obtained 2.
Formulation of Lip Balm Preparations Four lip balm formulations were prepared: a control formulation without extract (F.
and three formulations containing watermelon seed extract at concentrations of 3% (F.
, 6% (F.
, and 9% (F.
All formulations used the same base composition, consisting of 10% cera alba, 10% lanolin, 0.
methylparaben, 5% glycerin, and olive oil added up to 10 g.
The preparations were produced using the melting method.
Cera alba and lanolin were melted at 62Ae65AC, followed by the addition of methylparaben, glycerin, and olive oil homogeneous mixture was formed8.
Watermelon seed extract was then incorporated into each formula, poured into molds, and allowed to solidify at room
RESEARCH METHOD
Time and Place of Research This research was conducted from March to April 2025 at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Indonesian Christian University Tomohon.
Materials and Instruments The instruments used in this research included an analytical balance, blender, spatula, porcelain dish, measuring cylinder, water bath, digital pH meter, microscope slide, beakers, filter paper, glass jars, and a rotary evaporator.
The materials consisted of watermelon seed extract, n-hexane, cera alba, lanolin, methylparaben, glycerin, olive oil, and rabbits used as experimental subjects for the irritation Type of research Table 1.
Formula LipBalm Material .
Watermelon seed extract Cera alba Lanolin Metil paraben Gliserin Olive oil Formula ( amount %) Description .
Active substance Candle Fat
0,03
0,03
0,03
0,03
Preservative Humectant Ad 10 Ad 10 Ad 10 Ad 10 Oil phase Biofarmasetikal Tropis e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 Evaluation of Lip Balm Preparations The lip balm formulations prepared in this research were evaluated through the following tests:
Organoleptic Test: Visual observation of changes in color, odor, and texture during one week of storage9.
Homogeneity Test: Examination of the preparation between two glass plates to detect coarse particles2.
pH Test: Measurement using a digital pH preparations were considered acceptable if the pH ranged from 4.
5 to 710.
Spreadability Test: Determination of spread diameter using the glass plate Melting Point Test: Assessment of melting point at 50AC12.
Irritation Test: Conducted on rabbits using the patch test method, with erythema and edema observed for 72 hours13.
Hedonic Test: Preference evaluation by 30 panelists regarding aroma, texture, ease of application, and moisturizing effect14.
Stability Test Stability testing in this research was carried out over a period of 10 weeks by monitoring organoleptic characteristics, pH, and homogeneity of the formulations7.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Production of Watermelon Seed Extract The extraction of watermelon seeds obtained from the Empat Bersaudara plantation in Matani Village.
South Minahasa, produced a thick extract with an orange to reddish-yellow The extraction yielded 20 g of concentrated extract from 455 g of dried seed The procedure began with oven-drying at 60AC to reduce the moisture content of the seeds, followed by maceration using n-hexane as the solvent.
This method was selected because n-hexane effectively extracts lipid components, including linoleic acid and other essential fatty acids, which function as natural The resulting extract was subsequently incorporated as the active ingredient into lip balm formulations at concentrations of 3% (F.
, 6% (F.
, and 9% (F.
, while the formulation without extract served as the negative control (F.
Evaluation Results of LipBalm Preparation Organleptic test Organoleptic observations conducted over one week of storage demonstrated that all lip balm formulations exhibited good physical The control formulation (F.
appeared cloudy white with a mild beeswax In contrast, formulations containing watermelon seed extract (F1.
F2, and F.
showed colors ranging from pale yellow to bright yellow and possessed a characteristic nutty odor derived from the extract.
All formulations maintained a semi-solid consistency, which is considered suitable for lip application.
The gradual increase in color intensity with higher extract concentrations indicates that watermelon seed extract contributes to the pigmentation of the Data Analysis Quantitative data obtained in this research from melting point, spreadability, and hedonic tests were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with SPSS software to determine significant differences among Qualitative organoleptic evaluation, homogeneity, pH, and irritation tests were presented descriptively in tabular form.
Table 2.
Organoleptic Test Results Formula Color Smell Murky white A little beeswax Pale yellow A little nutty Pale yellow A little nutty Bright yellow A little nutty Texture .
Semi solid Semi solid Semi solid Semi solid Biofarmasetikal Tropis (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 Homogeneity Test The homogeneity test confirmed that all formulations (F0AeF.
exhibited a uniform distribution of ingredients.
No coarse particles or granules were observed when the preparations were spread between two glass plates.
e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 This result indicates that the melting and mixing process successfully produced homogeneous lip balm preparations.
The stability of the formulations may be attributed to the waxAeoil phase formed by cera alba and olive oil, supported by lanolin, which acts as an emulsifying agent12.
Tablel 3.
Homogeneity Test Sesults Formula Homogeneous Non-homogeneous .
En En En En Melting Point Test The melting point evaluation demonstrated that all formulations complied with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 16-4399, 1.
, which specifies an acceptable melting point range of 50Ae70AC.
The average melting point increased with higher extract concentrations, recorded as 50AC (F.
, 51AC (F.
, 52AC (F.
, and 55AC (F.
This finding suggests that watermelon seed extract influences the structural properties of the preparation, enhancing its resistance to Statistical analysis using ANOVA .
value < 0.
001 and F-value = 289.
demonstrated a significant difference in melting points between formulas.
This confirms that the extract concentration substantially affects the thermal stability of the product, which plays an important role in maintaining the shape and consistency of lip balm at room temperature16.
Table 4.
Melting Point Test Result Formula Replication Temperature .
51,1AC
52,3AC
55,2AC
Spreadability Test Spreadability is an essential parameter that determines the ease of product application.
In this research, all lip balm formulations demonstrated adequate spreadability, with diameters ranging from 3.
25 cm to 4.
50 cm.
These values fall within the optimal spreadability range of 3Ae5 cm.
ANOVA results indicated a statistically significant difference in spreadability among formulations .
-value = 0.
F = 10.
suggesting that the concentration of watermelon seed extract influences the spreading capacity of the preparation 16.
Biofarmasetikal Tropis (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 Table 5.
Dispersal Test Results Formula Replication Spread power .
pH Test The pH test results indicate that all formulas have pH values that are safe and comfortable for lip skin, ranging from 6.
50 to 6.
These values are within the physiological pH range of lip skin .
5Ae7.
, which aims to ensure that the lip balm preparations in this study will not cause irritation.
The decrease in pH occurs with the addition of the extract, but it remains safe and stable10.
Table 6.
pH Test Results Formula Homogeneous .
6,86 6,50 6,59 Hedonic Test A hedonic evaluation involving 30 panelists revealed variations in preference among the moisturizing performance and ease of The formulation containing 9% watermelon seed extract (F.
was the most favored, receiving the highest preference scores for moisture .
%) and ease of application .
43%).
ANOVA results confirmed significant differences among formulations, indicating that higher extract concentrations enhance product performance due to the presence of emollient fatty acids17.
Hedonic Test Figure 1.
Hedonic Test Results Biofarmasetikal Tropis e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 Table 7.
Results of the Repeated Measures ANOVA Test Partial Eta Squared MauchylAos Test .
f1, 0,694 F.
= 9,256 0,001 0,242 Aroma
0,192
= 0,335
0,717
0,011
Dosage form
0,060
= 0,921
0,404
0,031
Ease of 0,253 F.
= 9,667 0,001 0,250 Parameter Iritation test Irritation test results showed that all formulas, including those containing watermelon seed extract, did not cause erythema .
or edema .
There is a significant difference between the formulas.
Formula 1 differs significantly from formulas 2 and 3.
There is no significant difference between formulas in terms of There is no significant difference between the formulas.
The effect of the formula is very small.
There are significant differences between the formulas.
The effect is medium to large.
This proves that the formulation is safe and does not cause skin irritation.
This safety is supported by the natural emollient content in the extract, which effectively maintains moisture without side effects12.
Table 8.
Irritation Test Results Formula Reaction Errythema Edema non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating non-irritating Lip Balm Stability Evaluation The stability evaluation of the lip balm preparation was carried out over 10 weeks, showing very good results, as all formulas maintained their organoleptic characteristics and homogeneity without any significant changes in color, rancid odor, or phase pH re-testing after 10 weeks showed good pH stability, with all formulas remaining within a safe range for lip skin.
Although F1 and F2 had a slight increase in pH, their values are still acceptable for lip balm products.
This stability indicates strong formulation integrity.
Table 9.
LipBalm Stability Evaluation Results Test Formula Organoleptic F1.
F2.
F3 1 week 10 week Semi-solid with a cloudy white Its semi-solid consistency has color, this preparation has the a pale yellow to bright yellow characteristic aroma of beeswax.
color with a stable aroma, resembling beeswax.
Having a semi-solid texture, this ranging from pale yellow to substance is pale yellow to bright yellow, with a semibright yellow in color with a solid texture and a slightly Biofarmasetikal Tropis (The Tropical Journal of Biopharmaceutica.
2025, 8.
, 16-23 e-ISSN 2685-3167 p-ISSN 2828-6685 slightly nutty aroma.
50 - 6.
nutty aroma.
Homogeneous F1.
F2.
F3.
F0.
F1.
F2.
F0.
F1.
F2.
CONCLUSION
Masy.
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Lip balm formulation from Arabica coffee seed extract (Coffea arabica L.
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Antioxidant activity test of ethanol extract of watermelon rind and seeds (Citrullus lanatu.
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Irabor GE.
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Qualitative and quantitative screening of phytochemical compounds in watermelon (Citrullus lanatu.
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Formulation and evaluation of gel from white watermelon rind extract (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.
Matsum & Naka.
as a skin Sabdariffarma.
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Rahmadini WS.
Formulation evaluation of lip balm stick containing white watermelon rind extract (Citrullus lanatu.
with variations in cera alba concentration.
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Politeknik Kesehatan Palembang.
Simamora F.
Janice J.
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Effectiveness test of white rind extract cream from red watermelon (Citrullus lanatu.
on increasing elasticity, sebum, and hydration in white mice (Mus musculu.
Int J Heal Pharm.
:322-330.
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Harahap NH.
Lip balm formulation containing pumpkin seed oil as a lip Undergraduate thesis.
Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Based on the research conducted, watermelon seed extract (Citrullus lanatu.
was successfully formulated into a lip balm preparation that met the required physical evaluation standards, including organoleptic stability, homogeneity, appropriate pH, melting point, and satisfactory spreadability.
All formulations were proven to be safe, as no signs of erythema or edema were observed during the irritation test, indicating that the preparations non-irritating.
Statistical demonstrated that increasing the concentration of watermelon seed extract significantly enhanced the moisturizing effect and ease of application of the lip balm.
Among all formulations, formula F3 containing 9% extract was the most preferred by panelists, particularly in terms of moisture improvement and user Meanwhile, the extract concentration did not significantly influence the aroma or the physical form of the preparation.
Overall, this research concludes that watermelon seed extract has strong potential as an active natural ingredient for producing lip balm products that are safe, stable, effective, and well-accepted by consumers, with the optimal performance observed at a concentration of 9%.
REFERENCES