COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) MEAT AND POT

MARIGOLD (CALENDULA OFFICINALIS) EXTRACT: A

SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO TALCUM POWDER
REPLACEMENT

King Caezar A. Agustin

Arhiana U. Agcaoili

Sierre Jasmine D. Arucan

Dea Mae A. Mercado

Athena Janielle I. Salvador

Mark Julius A. Tangonan

INTRODUCTION

■ Recent years have seen increasing awareness of the environmental and health
risks associated with traditional cosmetics like talcum powder. Despite its
long-standing use in personal hygiene routines due to its moisture-absorbing
and friction-reducing qualities, studies have linked talcum powder to
respiratory issues and potential carcinogenic properties. This has prompted
consumers to seek safer, eco-friendly alternatives, raising significant concerns.
Dermatologists highlight the harmful effects of talcum powder on the skin,
including reduced oil secretion leading to dryness, flakiness, and increased
sensitivity, as well as pore-clogging that exacerbates existing rashes.
Additionally, some talcum powders may contain asbestos, posing a risk of lung
cancer. Beyond its impact on human health, talcum powder also presents
environmental challenges. Consequently, there is growing interest in
researching alternatives to reduce talc usage and promote the use of more eco-
friendly resources.
■ The Philippine FDA recently issued a warning about the potential
dangers of talcum in cosmetics, particularly due to the risk of
asbestos contamination. This poses a significant threat, especially to
children, as asbestos is a known carcinogen. As a precaution, talcum
powders used for children must now carry a warning label advising
against inhalation. In response, researchers are exploring the use of
coconut meat and Pot Marigold extract as alternatives to talcum
powder, aiming to create a safer option effective against heat and
itchiness during summer without harmful chemicals like asbestos.
They will assess the physical and chemical properties of this
alternative, including its moisture absorption and applicability for
personal care. This research aims to provide consumers with a
dependable and environmentally friendly alternative, addressing
concerns about wellness and the environment, and contributing to
the conversation about sustainable alternatives in the personal care
industry.
Statement of the Problem

1. Is there a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its
ability to absorb moist on the skin?
2. Is there a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its
odor?
3. Is there a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its
appearance?
4. Is there a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its cost?
Hypotheses

HA: There is a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its
appearance
HA: There is a significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its cost.
HO: There is no significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of absorbing
moist on the skin.
HO: There is no significant difference between the commercialized body powder and the Body powder made
out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in terms of its odor
Scope and Delimitation

This research will utilize Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Pot marigold
(Calendula officinalis) specifically for its meat and extract. The coconut
meat will be gathered by the researchers in a stand and as for the marigold
extract will be gathered at Puroc, Luna, Isabela. The researchers will observe
how good the coconut meat and marigold extract will be as a powder in
terms on how will it react when applied to our skin. The researchers will not
test the duration of the products endurance but test its ability to moisturize
and repel dusts on our skin. This Research will be conducted at Luna
National High School (LNHS) Science Laboratory, From January 14 to
August 2024
Significance of the study

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and pot marigold extract: a
sustainable approach to talcum powder replacement. As such can be beneficial to others. The beneficiaries are as
follows:
Coconut juice vendor. This study will help them reduce the waste of coconut.
Community. This study will help lessen the waste of coconut husk in the community. y using coconut in powder
production, we can avoid harmful chemicals that cause diseases and reduce the need for mining talc.
Consumer. Our Coco Powder allows customers to reduce expenses. Furthermore, the powder won't harm our skin when
used due to its eco-friendly attributes.
Researcher. This product will make a contribution to the development and betterment on finding eco-friendly and safe
ingredients for making powder.
Future Researchers. This Research can serve as a foundation for future researcher to find and utilize more eco-friendly
and safe ingredients in making powder.
Definition of Terms
Alternatives. Various options presented as solutions to a problem or decision-making process, offering different approaches or outcomes.
Body Powder. A dry, granular substance applied to the skin for absorbing moisture, typically composed of talc or cornstarch and often
scented for a pleasant fragrance.\
Coconut Meat. The inner, edible part of a coconut, distinguished by its white flesh and commonly used in cooking, baking, and various
culinary applications for its rich flavor and texture.
Dry Skin. A skin condition characterized by a lack of moisture and natural oils, resulting in roughness, flakiness, and discomfort.
Eco-Friendly. Describes products, practices, or behaviors that are not harmful to the environment and promote sustainability, minimizing
negative impacts on ecosystems and natural resources.
Marigold Extract. A concentrated substance derived from marigold flowers, obtained through extraction processes such as boiling and
distillation, often used in skincare and herbal medicine for its therapeutic properties.
Moist. Describes an object or substance containing a moderate level of moisture, presenting a slightly wet or damp texture.
Odor. A sensory perception of a scent or smell, which can be pleasing or unpleasant, arising from volatile compounds released into the air
from various sources in the environment.
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF
RELATED LITERATURE
Coconut

■ Throughout history, plant oils have served various purposes,

finding their way into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Their significance has grown as they are increasingly
acknowledged for their potential in treating skin diseases and
restoring skin balance. This article provides a concise overview
of the biological effects of applying certain plant oils topically,
including olive oil, coconut oil, and argan oil, among others. It
emphasizes their therapeutic benefits, such as anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their role
in promoting wound healing and repairing the skin barrier.
Talc

A survey of the literature identifies two key concerns: firstly, a tenuous

correlation, though not causation, between the hygienic application of cosmetic
talc and ovarian cancer; secondly, observations of lung alterations in animals
exposed to concentrated talc aerosols, resulting in lung overload. The review
briefly considers the significance of the most impactful epidemiological and
laboratory investigations and their implications for human risk evaluation.
Additionally, publications discussing granulomatous lesions associated with talc
found on surgical gloves, as well as incidents of inadvertent inhalation of baby
powder by infants, are examined. Overall, the literature analyzed does not
furnish compelling evidence that pure cosmetic talc, when used as directed,
poses a health hazard to consumers.
Talc

■ Respirable talc powder (RTP) is a mineral mixture composed of talc and various
accessory minerals, including tremolite, anthophyllite, quartz, and others. The
industrial processes involved in mining and processing talc ore are linked to
increased incidences of fibrotic and neoplastic diseases among workers, as well as
individuals using cosmetic talc products. Controversial evidence exists regarding a
potential connection between talc-induced lung diseases and asbestos contamination.
This controversy stems from insufficient exposure data and the complex mineral
composition of talc. Talc aerosols exhibit diverse mineral structures, including
particulates and fibrous forms, with characteristics associated with asbestos-related
lung diseases. Toxicology studies, spanning from occupational hygiene to animal
studies, suggest a strong association between talc aerosols and pleural and pulmonary
fibrosis. Long-term tissue exposure to talc particles and fibers, which can persist in
the lungs for decades, contributes to inflammatory and proliferative responses. While
there is debate regarding the threshold effect of fiber length, long, thin fibers (>5 μm)
are implicated in the development of respiratory diseases and are preferentially
deposited in lung hot spots associated with cancer. Plat-like talc structures can also
behave like fibers, further contributing to their deposition in lung cancer-prone areas.
Overall, the review of talc inhalation toxicity provides insights into its potential
carcinogenicity.
CHAPTER 3
Research Design

This study will employ experimental research design. Utilizing an

experimental research design, data on the effectiveness of our product will
be gathered simultaneously from a sample of Luna National High School
students. This method will enable the researchers to identify a cause-and-
effect relationship between variables, and to observe the relationship of the
variables to one another.
Research Environment

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract that was

utilized in this study will be obtained in Puroc, Luna, Isabela while the other materials required

in the study were obtained from the researcher’s households. The gathered materials then were

brought to the working place, the same place where the coconut (Cocos nucifera) meat and pot

marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract that was obtained for the production of the talcum

powder.
Sampling Procedure and Sample

Convenience sampling procedure will be used in the study, utilizing, and

maximizing everyone’s’ available time for testing our product and answering
surveys. Thirty (30) respondents will be selected for the study.
Data Analysis

The researcher will be using Mean and standard deviation to determine the

difference in terms of acceptability of usage of the talcum powder and

commercialized talcum powder in terms of its ability to absorb moist on the

skin, odor, appearance, and cost of the talcum powder.