The skin is the main body's defense system in the outermost layer of the
human body. The purpose of cosmetic use is to block the skin due to
environmental factors in place of life, such as motor vehicle fumes, ultraviolet
radiation from sunlight. These environmental factors will produce free radicals
that can accelerate the aging process. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that
can donate one or more electrons to free radicals, so that free radicals can be
muted. One of the natural active compounds that can protect the body from
exposure to free radicals is derived from the husk of areca nut (Areca catechu L.).
The purpose of this study was to find out whether the areca nut methanol extract
can be formulated into a physically stable lotion and have free radical scavenging
activity to DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl). The husk of areca nut was
extracted by soxhletation method using methanol, then made formulation of lotion
preparation with concentration 1, 2 and 3% (w / v) and tested to physical
properties (organoleptic, homogeneity, pH and viscosity, ), stability using cycling
test method and its free radical scavenging activity and DPPH interpreted with
IC50 (Inhibition Concentration) value. Test results on physical properties showed
that the three formulas of lotion methanolic extract of areca nut husk have good
physical properties and meet the requirements. The results of the stability test
show that the three formulas have good physical stability. The result of free
radical scavenging activity of methanolic extract of areca nut husk to DPPH
showed IC50 value of 6,12 ppm, whereas for lotion preparation concentration 1,
2, and 3% showed IC50 value equal to 17.80; 7.68; and 7.13 ppm respectively.