Original scientific paper
Exploring Halal Cosmetics: Morus Nigra As An Alternative To Halal Coloring In Lipstick And Antimicrobial Cream Formulations
Sia Yu Qin
; Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Ng Shir Ly
; Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Putera Muhammad Danial Mohd Redza
; Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Shamima Abdul Rahman
; Halal Science Centre, University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Mahani Mahadi
orcid.org/0000-0002-6849-1964
; Halal Science Centre, University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The demand for halal-certified cosmetics has significantly increased due to consumer awareness of ethical,
safe, and Shariah-compliant ingredients. Conventional cosmetic colorants often raise concerns regarding
their synthetic origin, potential toxicity, and non-halal sources. Morus nigra (M. nigra), or black mulberry,
is a flowering plant native to southwestern Asia, valued for its nutritious fruits with antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
and antibacterial properties. The high anthocyanin content in M. nigra provides an intense
natural pigment of suitable for cosmetic applications while offering antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. The aim of this study is to explores M. nigra extract as a natural halal alternative for lipstick
coloring and antimicrobial cream formulation. M. nigra was extracted using a maceration method.
Antimicrobial cream and lipstick containing M. nigra extract were formulated using halal-certified
ingredients, supported by relevant documentation, including the Halal Certificate, Certificate of Analysis
(CoA), International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), and Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS). Formulated lipstick and antimicrobial cream were tested using disk diffusion test. The
antioxidant properties of M. nigra cream and lipstick (5, 10, 15 % W/W) were tested by using DPPH and
FRAP method and UV protection properties were tested using SPF test. Furthermore, physicochemical
properties of lipstick and antimicrobial cream were also evaluated. The lipstick formulation was assessed
for color intensity, pH stability, and texture, while the antimicrobial cream was tested for its antimicrobial
activities agianst Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that M. nigra
lipsticks exhibit a purplish red color with a fruity odour. Lipstick has uniform aspect, good spreadability
and stable at pH 5.72 to 6.02 making it suitable to be applied onto the lip. M. nigra extract (100μg/ml)
have great antioxidant activity of 85.86% in DPPH and 2.409 μmol Fe (II)/g in FRAP assay and have UV
protection percentage of 37.23% on SPF test. The antimicrobial testing showed that M. nigra cream was
able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This study highlights M. nigra as a sustainable,
halal-friendly, and bioactive alternative to synthetic dyes and antimicrobial agents in the cosmetic industry.
The findings contribute to the development of natural and halal-certified beauty products, catering to the
growing market demand.
Keywords
Halal cosmetics; Morus nigra; natural colorant; antimicrobial cream
Hrčak ID:
333496
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2025.
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