Development of biopolymeric films with addition of vitamin C and catuaba extract as natural antioxidants

Sustainability has been an important issue in cosmetic industry, resulting in increasing concerns about environmental impacts, starting by the selection of raw materials. The aim of this work was the production of biopolymeric films based on a cassava starch and gelatin mixture (1:1) with the incorporation of natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and catuaba extract aiming its future use as an eco-friendly cosmetic. Films were produced by casting (2.0 g polymer/100 g filmogenic solution) employing glycerol (20 g/100 g polymer) as plasticizer, and vitamin C (0-10.0 g/100 g polymer) and catuaba extract (0-1.5 g/100 g polymer) were added as bioactive compounds. All formulations resulted in films with good appearance and homogeneity. All films produced with vitamin C and catuaba extract had their antioxidant capacity demonstrated, the catuaba extract films presented an antioxidant capacity values between 6.65% and 57.56%, and the vitamin C films presented values between 75.62% and 100%, even in those produced with low concentrations. Films loaded with vitamin C (10 g/100 g polymer) presented the highest antioxidant capacity (93.33%). Films prepared with 1.5 g catuaba extract/100 g polymer and all vitamin C formulations are promising alternatives for use as sustainable cosmetic products.