Formulation of a Moisturizing CreamBasedonLeucaena leucocephala (Lam)Galactomannanharvested in El Oued region(Algeria)

Abstract

This study focused on developing a sustainable oil-in-water (O/W) Moisterizedcreamusing galactomannan extracted from seeds of Leucaena leucocephala collected inEl Oued,Algeria. The water-soluble polysaccharides were obtained through hot water macerationat 65°C.The optimized cream was developed by adding 5% GSLL mucilage to the water phase, usingEmulgin B2 as emulsifiers. resulting in an extraction yield of 11.66%. Chemical analysisofthecrude extract (GSLL) showed a high carbohydrate content of 97.7 ± 0.28%total sugars,composed of 62.98 ± 3.62% neutral sugars, along with 15 ± 0.43%co-extracted proteinsand4.74 ± 0.27% total polyphenols. The final emulsion had a stable, uniform, light beige appearancewith enhanced viscosity. It exhibited a skin-friendly pH of 7.16, consistent spreadability(35.65g/cm²·s), and a measurable intrinsic Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 9.53. The formulationproved highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles during stability testing, though it showedphaseseparation when exposed to intense mechanical or thermal stress. Microbiological evaluationshowed fluctuations in the total aerobic mesophilic bacterial count and lowfungal contaminationduring storage. No pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and coagulase-positive Staphylococci, were detected in any sample, indicating anacceptablemicrobiological profile of the formulated cream ,according to the national standards. Moreover,the formulated cream exhibited a notable antioxidant capacity with an IC50 valueof1.76±0 mg/mL in the DPPH assay. It also demonstrated promising antibacterial activityagainstEscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, showing comparable efficacy to gentamicin.overall, galactomannan from Leucaena leucocephala emerges as a highly effectiveandbiocompatible natural stabilizer suitable for dermocosmetic applications.