Sensory Evaluation of Appearance and Texture of Carrot Lip Balms Containing Virgin Coconut Oil

Abstract

Virgin coconut oil, VCO is rich with lauric acid, which acts as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties towards the skin. Meanwhile, a carrot is rich with vitamin A, C and E that help in nourishing and healing the skin. Studies on the combination of these two ingredients in lip balm formulation are minimal even though the beneficial effects of the VCO and carrot are well known. Thus, the main objective of this study is to use the sensory analysis as a tool to evaluate the attributes in term of appearance and texture of the developed lip balm product. The lip balm was formulated using natural ingredients such as beeswax, VCO, natural preservative and essential oils. One hundred volunteers evaluated the samples for smoothness, colour, odour, spreadability and overall acceptance. The stick formulation showed organoleptic properties with light orange colour, rose odour and uniform appearance. This sensory evaluation test used a hedonic scale from rank 1 to 5 (1-extremely dislike, 2-moderately dislike, 3-neither like or dislike, 4-moderately like, 5-extremely like). In this study, panellists tended to vote more on formulation with a high concentration of carrot. The formulated lip balm has acceptable characteristics in term of texture, especially in smoothness, colour, odour and spreadability. Overall, the panellists were satisfied with the product and agreed that the product has the potential to be marketed.