FORMULATION OF WATERMELON SEED OIL BASED HAIR CARED

ABSTRACT This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a hair care product using watermelon seed oil (Citrullus lanatus) as the primary active ingredient. The research was motivated by the growing preference for natural, sustainable, and non-toxic cosmetic ingredients and the need to explore under-utilized natural resources for hair and scalp health. Watermelon seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, offers potential benefits for nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair strands, and improving overall hair texture. The study involved three major phases: extraction of oil from watermelon seeds using the cold-press method, formulation of a hair cream incorporating the extracted oil, and assessment of the physicochemical properties of the product, including pH, viscosity, texture, color, and odor. The oil extraction yielded 24%, producing a light-yellow oil with a mild nutty scent, confirming that the cold-press method effectively preserved its natural nutrients. The formulated hair cream, composed of watermelon seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil, demonstrated good spreadability, homogeneity, and desirable consistency suitable for cosmetic use. The findings revealed that watermelon seed oil can serve as an effective natural ingredient for hair care formulations due to its lightweight, non-greasy nature and rich nutrient profile. The study highlights the potential of converting agricultural waste into valuable cosmetic products, promoting sustainability and local economic development. It concludes that watermelon seed oil is a viable natural alternative for formulating eco-friendly hair care products and recommends further research on its long-term stability, dermatological safety, and large-scale commercial production.