Soothing gel is a semi-solid preparation in the form of cosmetic products
that are new to the community. Gel with optimal physical properties can increase
the acceptance and effectiveness of therapy. The active ingredient is made from
sweet star fruit (Averrhoa carambola.L). Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola.L) is a
fruit that is widely known in Indonesian society. Sweet star fruit is known to be
positive for the flavonoid, alkaloid, and saponin class compounds. The flavonoids
in star fruit can be used as antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to
determine whether the sweet star fruit (Averrhoa carambola. L) can be formulated
as a soothing gel preparation and to determine whether the variations of the
carbopol and HPMC gelling agents can affect the evaluation of the physical
properties of the preparation.
The research method used was experimental, namely the preparation of
soothing gel preparations of sweet star fruit juice with a concentration of 42.5%,
with variations gelling agents of the carbopol 1%; 1,25%; 1,5%; 1,75%; 2% and
HPMC 4%, 3,75%, 3,5%; 3,25%; 3%The physical properties of the gel were
tested, namely organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, dispersibility, and adhesion.
Data analysis in this study used statistical tests by calculating normality,
homogeneity and one way ANOVA test.
The results of the physical test showed that the sweet starfruit juice
soothing gel formulas 1, 2 and 3 were semi-solid with a slightly runny
consistency, formulas 4 and 5 were semi-solid with a thick consistency,
distinctive smell, orange color, and had a cold feeling on the skin after applying it.
The results of the spreadability test were 21.51-37.4 cm2, the adhesion test
ranged from 3.36 to 48.73 seconds, and the pH test results for soothing gel were
in the range 4.92 - 5.27. Statistical analysis using the ANOVA test of
spreadability, adhesion, and pH resulted in a p value of 0.00