Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal Content and Microbial Limit Test of Bedak sejuk

Background/Objectives: At present, no study has been conducted to evaluate the safety of bedak sejuk as a cosmetic product. Hence in this study, the safety evaluation of bedak sejuk which is used daily by Malaysians was investigated. Methods: Five assessment tests were studied on physicochemical properties of bedak sejuk which includes determination of pH, moisture and volatile matter, matter insoluble in water, test for solubility of colours and fineness. Heavy metal content (lead) and microbial population limit tests were also executed. Findings: Results showed that bedak sejuk complies with the cosmetic powder standard, in which the pH of bedak sejuk was at 6.0±0.3, the moisture and volatile matter was at 1.1±0.6%, matter insoluble in boiling water was 68±0.7 mg/mass, the results of colour solubility was rated colourless and presented in a normal particle distribution. For the heavy metal content, less than 3.5±0.5 parts per million of lead in the sample was observed while for the microbial population limit test, was valued at 340 CFU/mL. Application: From these results, bedak sejuk has the potential to be be marketed as loose powder in canisters or molded or compressed into cakes and inserted into mirrored compact cases, typically with an applicator, usually a pad, a puff or other implement.