Development of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Annona muricata L. Leaves and Its Application in Acne-Reducing Gels

In this study, biocompounds from Annona muricata L. leaves were ultrasound-assisted extracted and incorporated into an acne-reducing gel product. The total polyphenol content of the extract was 104.794 mg GAE/g dry matter when using 90% ethanol at 60°C for 20 min, with a material-to-solvent ratio of 1:50. The extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Cutibacterium acnes, with inhibition zones of 19.0 and 20.0 mm, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the extract, evaluated via the DPPH assay, yielded an IC₅₀ value of 21.63 ± 0.64 µg/mL, indicating moderate activity compared to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ of 6.51 µg/mL). Based on this result, an acne-reducing gel containing the leaves extract was formulated. The product exhibited appropriate pH (5.56), viscosity (8980 cP), and good antibacterial activity in the gel product (inhibition zones of 25.0 mm for P. aeruginosa and 4.7 mm for C. acnes) with high stability and safety criteria for cosmetic products. The study demonstrates the potential application of A. muricata L. leaves in the natural cosmetics industry.