ABSTRACT
This study contains topics related to cosmetics, artificial and natural colorants,
the possible long-term effects of repeated and prolonged exposure to these colorants.
For years, cosmetic products have been innovated to fit the current trends of society,
and in order to properly conform with the norms, various products with respectively
varying ingredients have surfaced. This study also focuses on how the plant
Bougainvillea glabra can be recognized in order to utilize its parts according to their
benefits. This study was formulated to address the commonly overlooked problems
brought by consuming heavy amounts of cosmetic products that contain an alarming
amount of harmful additives. Therefore, this study will be highly beneficial to the
community, to the environment, and to the economy.
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Chapter 1
I. Introduction
Cosmetic lip products that are deemed to moisturize and tint the lips a bright red
originate from Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Egyptians have primarily used crushed
beetles, and sometimes chemicals like iodine, fucus algin, or bromine-mannite to create
purple-red lip stains. These ingredients are not vegan and are severely toxic to the
health if ingested in a certain quantity deemed lethal. In the 16th Century, Queen
Elizabeth popularized blood red lips that were made from plant extracts mixed with
beeswax, and as the 19th Century approached, more and more chemicals were
gradually added into the lip color formula to either neutralize or brighten red hues, and
to formulate other warm or cool tone shades (Bennet, 2018).
Lip colors that are frequently used nowadays contain several harmful metals
(lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and aluminum) and preservatives that are
absorbed by the pores on the lips and are, usually, accidentally ingested. Frequent,
excessive, or even minimal exposure to these substances may lead to toxin build-up
and even severe diseases like cancer in the long run (CureJoy, 2018). To solve this
problem, organic lip colors, especially lip tints resurfaced in the early 2010s.
Lip tints are in the same lip product category, of course, but they, with lip sticks,
are differentiated through their distinct formulas. Lip tints come in gel, liquid, or creamy
forms and in glossy or matte shades that, when applied on the lips or the cheek area,
provide a subtle and light tint that lasts for a substantial period throughout the day.
Many kinds of lip stains produced by several cosmetic companies are made of organic
and cruelty-free ingredients like essential oils, carnauba wax, and plant-based
pigments. However, there are still a handful of both well-known companies and indie
brands that produce lip stains with high amounts of toxic chemicals that release their
products in the market.
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A. Main Objective
The main objective of this research is to produce a lip and cheek stain from
Bougainvillea glabra bracts and to prove that B. glabra pigment could be one of the
plant-based and cruelty-free colorants used in a variety of cosmetic lip products.
B. Specific Objectives
Specifically, this study aims the following:
1. Determine if Bougainvillea glabra bracts can be used as a substitute for harmful
synthetic cosmetic pigment.
2. Justify the liability of Bougainvillea bract pigment as a safer alternative by
comparing the effects of artificial and natural coloring.
3. Assess whether the pigment from Bougainvillea bracts is the best overall
4. Analyze the effects of using Bougainvillea bract pigment if used as topical
products.
II-A. Review of Related Foreign Literature
A. Synthetic pigments
Synthetic pigments are colorants that are artificially created from
chemicals like lead, which is one of the main influencers of several health
problems including brain damage (National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health, 2018). Synthetic pigments can also leave toxins that can trigger skin
problems, like sensitivity and acne, or in worse cases, be absorbed into the
bloodstream through the pores (Moss, 2016). These artificial pigments come with
chemicals that obstruct the endocrine processes of the body, and these chemicals
are called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals or EDCs (Breast Cancer UK, 2017), and
are widely used in numerous colorants not just in makeup, but in fabrics, plastics,
and rubbers which are common materials used in the making of everyday
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products. Examples are parabens, which are synthetic estrogens usually used as
cheap preservatives; phthalates, which are found in most synthetic fragrances;
pesticides, which are not a direct ingredient in the products, but the usual plant
materials used in most commercialized beauty products may or may not have
consumed pesticides; and plastics, which are not only found in most packaging,
but are also contaminants of the substance it holds as it can leach harmful
chemicals into it (Organic Expert, 2017).
B. Natural Pigments
Natural pigments are naturally-occurring dyes that derive from Earthly
metals or plants. Many of the plants used to extract these pigments are
considered medicinal and are also known to be remarkably antimicrobial (HARA
The Label, 2017). Natural dyes have minimal environmental impact because they
can biodegrade, can be renewed, and can be disposed without polluting our
environment. And because the plants they derive from are medicinal, ingesting
them would not cause any major health problems compared to that of synthetic
pigments. On the other hand, they do cost a lot more expensive than synthetic
dyes because the availability and sustainability of the materials vary from the
climate, the location, the species, as well as the area of land needed to cultivate a
certain amount of crop. It also takes more natural dye than synthetic dye to stain
a certain amount of material because of the soft hue natural pigments exude, and
might need mordants to permanently fix them onto a material. They also are not
completely safe, because they can carry allergens (KeyCoulour, 2017).
C. Bougainvillea glabra
Bougainvillea glabra is an evergreen, vigorous climbing shrub with thorny
stems native in Brazil. It is also known as paperflower due to its clusters of tiny
white flowers commonly surrounded by paper-like bracts (PlantsRescue, 2017). It
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is an ornamental plant that also serves as a medicinal plant because of its
anthelmintic and antibacterial properties (Sharma and Devi, 2013).
D. Betalains
Betalains are a group of universal plant colorants found in some plants
(Patel, 2018) which give the reddish-blueish colors of flower petals, fruits, roots,
stems, leaves, and bracts amassing in the vacuoles of epidermal or subepidermal
cells (Murkovic, 2003).
II-B. Review of Related Local Literature
A. Bougainvillea glabra
Bougainvillea glabra is a woody shrub with flowers usually in clusters of
three diverging from bracts of broad, purplish, oblongated bracts. It is not known
in the Philippines for having been used as a medicinal shrub, but its parts have
been utilized for the treatment of a variety of disorders like diabetes, diarrhea, low
blood pressure, and even for fertility control in other countries (StuartXChange,
2018).
II-C. Review of Related Foreign Study
A. Betalains
Betalain is contained in beetroot supplements that might be a useful
strategy in reinforcing endogenous antioxidant defenses. Betalain is found in
beetroots, which is a food source of health promoting agents and serves as a
potential treatment for several pathological disorders, and possesses strong
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventive activity (Clifford, et al,
2015).
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III. Conceptual Framework
Effects of Using the Pigment of
Bougainvillea glabra Bracts in
Cosmetic Products
Body and Health Business Environment
reduces
appearance skin cost quality
environmen
condition sustainability tal
The effects of using Bougainvillea glabra bracts as cosmetic pigments target
three factors: the body and health by improving and refining a person’s skin texture
and overall appearance, as well as provide a significant benefit to the health of an
individual; the cosmetic business industry by relying on the sustainability of the product
ingredient, affecting the quality of the final product, and the cost of it when released in
the market regarding the manufacturing expenses; and the environment by reducing
the risk of contaminating resource reservoirs with toxic chemicals and materials.
IV. Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were formulated to aid this study:
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1. There is no significant difference between the duration of the tinting effect of a
homemade lip and cheek stain made of Bougainvillea glabra pigment and a
commercialized lip and cheek stain.
2. There is a significant difference in the pigmentation of the homemade
Bougainvillea lip and cheek stain and the commercialized lip and cheek stain.
V. Significance of the Study
This study will be a significant endeavor in the community to reduce
environmental risks and issues, and health disorders caused by synthetic coloring. Dyes
offer a variety of benefits in the production of cosmetics, clothes, and other everyday
products. Artificial dyes may be cheaper and may give a better color pay-off, but on the
other hand, they carry toxic substances that slowly weaken body systems. These
artificial dyes are present in numerous makeup products, and the use of these products
are riskier because they are applied directly onto the skin, which is an organ, and are
absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, this study will be beneficial to the
members of the community who are fond of using cosmetic items and to the
manufacturers of cosmetic products.
VI. Scope and Limitations
This study is focused solely on the effectiveness of Bougainvillea glabra bracts as
an alternative source for the colorants in lip and cheek stains, as well as its effects on
the health and appearance of a person. People, especially women, are greatly attached
to cosmetic products that contain harmful artificial colorants which are known as the
culprits of the outbreak of several diseases and allergies. Therefore, the use of B.
glabra pigment is a promising solution to these problems.
VII. Definition of Terms
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A. Conceptual
1. Allergen (n.) – any substance, usually pollen, that trigger allergic reactions
2. Anthelmintic (adj.) – able to destroy parasitic worms
3. Antioxidant (n.) – a substance that inhibits oxidation
4. Betacyanin (n.) – any one of a group of red nitrogenous pigments found in
certain plants such as beetroot
5. Betalain (n.) – a class of red and yellow indole-derived water-soluble pigment
6. Bract (n.) – a specialized leaf or leaflike part, usually situated at the base of a
flower by the axil
7. Endocrine system (np.) – a balanced system of glands and hormones that
regulate the processes of the body.
8. Endocrine disruptors (np.) – chemicals that interfere with endocrine systems
at certain doses
9. Endogenous (adj.) – having an internal cause or origin
10. Mordant (n.) – a substance that combines with a dye thereby fixing it onto a
material
11. Synthetic (adj.) – made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural
product
B. Operational
1. Betalain (n.) – the pigment found in Bougainvillea glabra bracts and is the
subject to be extracted
2. Bracts (n.) – a part of the Bougainvillea glabra plant that is the subject for
extraction
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Chapter 2
I. Methodology
A. Materials
1. Bougainvillea glabra bunches with bracts (yielding two cups of bracts)
2. 92% Aloe Vera moisturizer
3. Hot water
4. Rubbing alcohol
5. Blender
6. Measuring spoon
7. Large container
8. Large and small strainer
9. Used lip tint container
B. Procedure
1. Clean and sanitize all materials with soap and water and soak the lip tint
container and applicator in a solution of rubbing alcohol and hot water to
thoroughly eliminate bacteria.
2. Remove the bracts from the bunch and place them in the large container. Gently
wash the bracts and drain the excess water.
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3. After letting the excess water drip off through the strainer, place half of the
bracts into the blender and blend halfway to break the cell walls down.
4. Add two tablespoons of the 92% Aloe Vera moisturizer and the remaining half of
the bracts, and thoroughly blend.
5. Take a couple spoonful of the blended paste and press it through the smaller
strainer to squeeze the pigment. Repeat until all the paste have been squeezed.
6. Take the lip tint container and applicator out of the soaking solution and
thoroughly dry the inside and the outside with a clean paper towel.
7. Gently pour the liquid into the container leaving enough room for the applicator
and tightly seal.
8. The product should last 2-3 weeks stored in the fridge, less than a week in room
temperature.
II. Research Design
The researcher used an experimental design to determine the effects and liability
of using Bougainvillea glabra bract pigment as a cosmetic colorant. The specific
experimental design was single group design in which a group of subjects were
administered in a single group.
III. Research Setting
The research and lab work was conducted in First City Providential College
located in Barangay Narra, Francisco Homes, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
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STATISTICAL TREATMENT
The data acquired from the conducted experiment require statistical treatment.
In order to derive results from a formula computation, the researcher performed the F-
Distribution Analysis of Variance or the ANOVA test. The test provided three formulas:
2 ( ∑ x )2
TSS = ∑ x − where the total sum of squares (TSS) is equal to the summation of
N
the squares of columns (∑ x 2) subtracted by the square of the summation of columns
( ( Σ x )2 ) divided by the product of columns and rows ( N ); SSB =
( 1
N o . of rows )[
2
Σ ( ∑ of each column ) −
Σ x2
N
] ( )
where the sum of squares between columns
(SSB) is equal to the quantity of one divided by the number of rows multiplied by the
quantity of the summation of the squares of the sum of each column
([ Σ (∑ of each column ) ]) subtracted by the quantity of the summation of the square of
2
each column ( Σ x2 ) divided by the product of columns and rows ( N ) ; SSW = TSS – SSB
where the sum of the squares within columns (SS W) is equal to the difference of the
total sum of squares (TSS) and the sum of squares between columns (SS B); in which x
is the value in each column per row.
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Chapter 3
I. Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data
This chapter provides a detailed description of the data collected from the
conducted experiment and product test. Three lip and cheek tint products labeled Ever
Bilena lip and cheek stain, IN2IT lip and cheek stain, and the researcher’s homemade
Bougainvillea lip and cheek stain were chosen for the study. Table 3.1 below shows the
different time periods where each product has had a tint on a certain area for. The
products were applied directly onto the skin, on the lips after applying a primer, and on
the lips directly, and were considered to be effective as long as it shows color.
Area of Application Ever Bilena IN2IT Homemade tint
Skin (cheeks) 14.75 15.50 12
Lips (with primer*) 5 6 4
Lips (without primer) 5.5 6.25 5
Table 3.1 *Primer used is a moisturizing lip balm **Times are measured in hours
The data above was acquired by the researcher in a 6-day test period while
doing their usual everyday routine, and with only performing product application once
throughout the day. The skin test took three days, and with those three days came
along the lip with primer test for each day. The next three days after that came the lip
without primer test for each of the product. When applied on the skin, the two
commercialized products lasted a substantial amount of time, while the homemade tint,
even though lasting an acceptable period, faded quicker than the two. The lip
applications are quite impressive than the skin applications considering that the lips
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may or may not have been affected by other influencing factors like fluids or food.
Applying with the primer used, however made it easier for the product to fade because
of the primer’s waxy characteristic. The pigmentation of the three also vary depending
on how much product is applied. Comparing the three results, the homemade tint has
achieved not remarkable, but acceptable results.
Xa Xb Xc Xa2 Xb2 Xc2
Skin 14.75 15.50 12 217.56 240.25 144
Lips (with primer) 5 6 4 25 36 16
Lips (without primer) 5.5 6.25 5 30.25 39.06 25
Total 25.25 27.75 21 272.81 315.31 185
Grand total 74 773.13
Table 3.2
The table above shows the values of table 3.1 squared, totalled, and summed
into two grand totals. These values will then be used, along with the statistical
formulas, in order to derive the data needed to complete the ANOVA table.
Source of Variation Sum of Squares Degrees of Mean Sum of
Freedom Squares
Between-column 530.31 2 265.16
Within-column 234.6 6 39.1
Total 765.91 8
Table 3.3
The table above is the completed ANOVA table, which contains the data required
to validate or invalidate the hypotheses. By dividing the two Mean Sums of Squares
(MSS), the F value can now be computed. Using the values above, the quotient of the
Between-column MSS and the Within-column MSS is 6.78. Compared to the tabular
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value derived from the F-distribution table using the degrees of freedom (2,6) which is
3.46, it can be concluded that the null hypothesis stated prior is rejected.
Chapter 4
Summary
Cosmetic products have been widely marketed by several well-known companies
and commonly consumed by women, and now even men. Throughout the years, the
use of these products were considered a requirement for some jobs, a confidence
booster, a taboo, an identification of one’s social class, or a hobby in some cultures.
However, as cosmetic products evolve, more and more additives are being added into
the many concoctions in order to achieve the perfect product formula for each product
that completes a full makeup look. Most of these additives are harmful to the body and
to the environment as they can deteriorate the stability of body systems and the lives of
the earth’s inhabitants. Lip sticks and lip stains, especially, being applied onto the lips,
carry a possibility of contaminating the human body through ingestion. A great quantity
of cosmetic companies use severely dangerous reds, still, most makeup consumers are
unaware of the materials that go into their favorite products.
While there have been numerous brands that refuse synthetic pigment, there will
always be problems regarding a plant-based material’s availability regarding season,
place, and specie. This has driven the researcher to conduct a test using Bougainvillea
glabra bracts.
With the aim of determining whether the final product is at par compared with
the two branded products, all three underwent a fair and equally-distributed test that
determine the longevity of their effects on the skin.
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Conclusion
Looking at the results of the product testing, the homemade Bougainvillea lip
stain achieved a satisfactory outcome when compared to the Ever Bilena and IN2IT lip
and cheek stains. All three products performed somehow similarly and impressively
when applied on the cheeks, while at the same time lasting long enough on the lips
with or without primer as it remains untouched. It also takes different amounts of tint
in order to achieve a desired hue, especially with the homemade product. Moreover, the
researcher has also concluded that in order to achieve a better formula, further testing
require minor and major developments regarding ingredient ratio and a strictly aseptic
environment.
In addition, and to address the hypotheses made prior, there is a significant
difference among the three products regarding how long they wear and how dark they
tint.
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Recommendation
The researcher recommends the utilization of this paper to:
Research teachers, for them to gain insights from this research paper and to
advocate their acquired knowledge to their students, and for them to invest
in a broader range of intellect and to refine their skills in data collecting and
problem solving;
Cosmetologists, for them to identify and acknowledge the benefits of
Bougainvillea bracts when used as cosmetic colorants;
Eco-friendly makeup companies, for them to be informed about new and up
and coming materials that are highly beneficial, cruelty-free, and versatile;
Frequent makeup consumers, for their awareness about what goes into the
products they use on a daily basis; and
Future researchers, for them to obtain useful and reliable data for their own
study.
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REFERENCES
Breast Cancer UK. 2017. Endocrine disrupting chemicals. Retrieved February 4, 2019,
from [Link]
disrupting-chemicals/
Clifford, T. et al. 2015. The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health
and disease. Nutrients. 7(4). 2801-2822. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from
[Link]
HARA The Label. 2017. Health issues and synthetic dyes. Retrieved July 25, 2018, from
[Link]
KeyColour. 2017. Advantages and disadvantages of natural dyes . Retrieved July 25,
2018, from [Link]
dyes/
Moss, C. 2016. Artificial colorants in your cosmetics – Why synthetic dyes aren’t worth
it. Retrieved July 25, 2018, from [Link]
4-dangers-of-using-fluoride/
Murkovic, M. 2003. Phenolic compounds. Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition
(Second Edition). 4507-4514. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from
[Link]
17 | P a g e
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 2018. Health problems caused by
lead. Retrieved February 4, 2019, from
[Link]
Organic Expert. 2017. 4 harmful endocrine disruptors to avoid in beauty products .
Retrieved February 4, 2019, from [Link]
endocrine-disruptors-cosmetics/
Patel, K. 2018. Betalains. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from
[Link]
Plants Rescue. 2017. Bougainvillea glabra. Retrieved July 26, 2018, from
[Link]
Sharma, P. and Devi, U. 2013. Ethnobotanical uses of biofencing plants in himachel
pradesh, northwest himalaya. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences . 16(24).
1957-1963. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from [Link]
doi=pjbs.2013.1957.1963&org=11
Stuart X Change. 2018. Philippine medicinal plants: Bogambilya . Retrieved February 5,
2019, from [Link]
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APPENDICES
REVIEW OF RELATED FOREIGN LITERATURE MATRIX
AUTHOR SYNTHETIC PIGMENTS NATURAL BOUGAINVILLEA BETALAINS
PIGMENTS GLABRA
National Synthetic pigments are
Institute for colorants that are
Occupational artificially created from
Safety and chemicals like lead,
Health, 2018 which is one of the
main influencers of
several health
problems including
brain damage.
Moss, 2016 Synthetic pigments can
also leave toxins that
can trigger skin
problems, like
sensitivity and acne, or
in worse cases, be
absorbed into the
bloodstream through
the pores
Breast Cancer Artificial pigments
UK, 2017 come with chemicals
that obstruct the
endocrine processes of
the body, and these
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chemicals are called
Endocrine Disrupting
Chemicals or EDCs
Organic Expert, 4 examples of EDCs:
2017 Parabens, which are
synthetic estrogens
usually used as cheap
preservatives;
Phthalates, which are
found in most synthetic
fragrances; Pesticides,
which are not a direct
ingredient in the
products, but the usual
plant materials used in
most commercialized
beauty products may
or may not have
consumed pesticides;
and Plastics, which are
not only found in most
packaging, but are also
contaminants of the
substance it holds as it
can leach harmful
chemicals into it
HARA The Natural pigments
Label, 2017 are naturally-
occurring dyes
that derive from
Earthly metals or
plants. Many of
the plants used to
extract these
pigments are
considered
medicinal and are
also known to be
remarkably
antimicrobial
KeyCoulour, Natural dyes have
2017 minimal
environmental
impact because
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they can
biodegrade, can
be renewed, and
can be disposed
without polluting
our environment.
And because the
plants they derive
from are
medicinal,
ingesting them
would not cause
any major health
problems
compared to that
of synthetic
pigments. On the
other hand, they
do cost a lot more
expensive than
synthetic dyes
because the
availability and
sustainability of
the materials vary
from the climate,
the location, the
species, as well as
the area of land
needed to
cultivate a certain
amount of crop. It
also takes more
natural dye than
synthetic dye to
stain a certain
amount of
material because
of the soft hue
natural pigments
exude, and might
need mordants to
permanently fix
them onto a
21 | P a g e
material. They
also are not
completely safe,
because they can
carry allergens
PlantsRescue, Bougainvillea
2017 glabra is an
evergreen,
vigorous
climbing shrub
with thorny
stems native in
Brazil. It is also
known as
paperflower due
to its clusters of
tiny white
flowers
commonly
surrounded by
paper-like bracts
Sharma and It is an
Devi, 2013 ornamental plant
that also serves
as a medicinal
plant because of
its anthelmintic
and antibacterial
properties
Patel, 2018 Betalains are a
group of
universal plant
colorants found
in some plants
Murkovic, 2003 Betalains give
the reddish-
blueish colors of
flower petals,
fruits, roots,
stems, leaves,
and bracts
amassing in the
vacuoles of
epidermal or
22 | P a g e
subepidermal
cells
REVIEW OF RELATED LOCAL LITERATURE MATRIX
AUTHOR SYNTHETIC NATURAL BOUGAINVILLEA BETALAINS
PIGMENTS PIGMENTS GLABRA
Stuart X Bougainvillea
Change, 2018 glabra is a
woody shrub
with flowers
usually in
clusters of three
diverging from
bracts of broad,
purplish,
oblongated
bracts. It is not
known in the
Philippines for
having been
used as a
medicinal shrub,
but its parts
have been
utilized for the
treatment of a
variety of
disorders like
diabetes,
diarrhea, low
23 | P a g e
blood pressure,
and even for
fertility control in
other countries
REVIEW OF RELATED FOREIGN STUDY MATRIX
AUTHOR SYNTHETIC NATURAL BOUGAINVILLEA BETALAINS
PIGMENTS PIGMENTS GLABRA
Clifford, et al, Betalain is
2015 contained in
beetroot
supplements
that might be a
useful strategy
in reinforcing
endogenous
antioxidant
defenses.
Betalain is found
in beetroots,
which is a food
source of health
promoting
agents and
serves as a
potential
treatment for
several
pathological
disorders, and
possesses strong
24 | P a g e
antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory,
and chemo-
preventive
activity
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