Infant Jesus Academy

Marikina City
SY 2018 – 2019

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

The Feasibility of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Peelings as an Alternative Hand

Sanitizer

Submitted by:

DICCION, Francesca
MARTINEZ, John Alexis
MARTINEZ, Aarol Matt
OLESCO, Denmier Ezekiel

IP Adviser

Ms. Kollin Buenaventura

Submitted to:

Mr. Joselito O. Fille

Science 8 Teacher

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the subject of Science 8 SY 2018-2019

 CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Introduction

Hand sanitizer is a liquid generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hand. It is

typically come in a foam, gel or liquid form. People use hand sanitizer when soap and water are

not available for hand washing or when hand washing cause natural skin barrier like fissure on the

skin.

Calamansi is one of the useful plants in the world. It is one of the popular fruits because it

can be used as herbal medicine and skin care. It is packed with nutrients and vitamins that can help

our body like vitamin c.

This study was conducted because the researchers want to know if calamansi peelings can

be an alternative for hand sanitizer. The researchers also want to know the effects of the hand

sanitizer to us. Through this, they will know the components of the calamansi peelings that can

help in being an alternative hand sanitizer.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers will answer the following questions:

 Can the calamansi peelings be an alternative in making a hand sanitizer?

 What are the side effects of calamansi peelings as hand sanitizer?

 What are the components that helps calamansi peelings to be an alternative for hand

sanitizer?
Hypothesis

 Calamansi peelings can be an alternative in making a hand sanitizer.

 Calamansi peelings cannot be an alternative in making a hand sanitizer.

Significance of the Study

This study can further open the possibility of different kinds of ingredients to use for hand

sanitizers.

The product of this study can also help people who are in a rush and doesn’t have time to

go the washroom to clean their hands.

This study can help us students gain knowledge to find various ingredients to use for hand

sanitizers.

Scope & Limitation

This research study focuses on how can the peelings of calamansi be used as a hand

sanitizer. Being a citrus fruit, the peelings of calamansi contains flavanones and a citrus oil that

has an antimicrobial activity. The researchers add some ingredients to support the calamansi

peelings. The research aims to create a product that will help to clean our hands without the use of

soap and water. Other related matter is no longer honored in this study.
Definition of Terms

The researchers give the meaning of used terms to understand the relevance to the research.

a) Feasibility – the state or degree of being easily done

b) Citrofortunella microcarpa – the scientific term of calamansi

c) Hand Sanitizer – a liquid generally used to decrease infectious agents in hand

d) Flavanones – a colorless, crystalline of flavone

e) Coumarin – a vanilla scented compound found in many plants

f) Bradykinase – It acts as an inflammatory, reducing redness and itchiness.

g) Saponins – natural compounds with foaming characteristics

h) Mucopolysaccharides – long chains of sugar molecules that are found through out the

body.

i) Astringent – a substance that causes the contraction of body tissues. It is also used to

protect the skin and to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions

j) Erythema – superficial reddening of the skin, usually in patches, as a result of injury or

irritation causing dilatation of the blood capillaries

k) Salmonella – a bacterium that occurs mainly in the intestine, especially a serotype

causing food poisoning

l) E. coli – bacteria found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Calamansi is a popular skin care ingredient because of its many beauty benefits. For one

thing, calamansi is packed with ascorbic acid or vitamin C. This nutrient strengthens the immune

system and increases collagen production in the body. That’s why calamansi juice is taken as a

beauty tonic. When applied topically, calamansi extract also evens out the skin tone and refines

the skin. Moreover, calamansi is a prized bleaching agent. Unlike other bleaching agent, calamansi

extract is mild, natural and effective. It can be used on the face and body without causing irritation.

(Salazar, 2016, retrieved from: http://www.aimhigh.ph/5-health-benefits-of-calamansi/)

Being a citrus fruit, calamansi can be use in lightening the darkened skin. It has a high acid

content, which directly works on the dark skin, restores the cell presents in that area and turns them

into whiter and clearer ones. (Nilankeeta, 2015, retrieved from:

https://www.beautyglimpse.com/calamansi-calamondin-use-beautiful-skin/)

Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance. the juice contains a high quality of citric acid

giving them their characteristic sharp flavor. The genius is commercially important as many

species are cultivated for their fruit, which is eaten fresh pressed for juice, or preserved in

marmalades and pickles. (Paul Muljadi, 2014, retrieved from:

https://docslide.us/documents/citrus-558466290d749.html)

Aloe vera is widely known for its beauty benefits. It works wonder for skin and hair

and is often the key ingredient in many beauty products. Moisturizing the skin and repairing

damaged hair is one of the numerous benefits of aloe vera. For dry skin: Aloe vera gel has healing

and hydrating properties and is ideal to provide the dry skin with the much needed moisturization.
As an exfoliator: Exfoliating the skin is important to get rid of dead cells and clear pores of grime.

Treating sunburns: Due to its natural cooling properties, aloe vera gel is a great product for

soothing sunburns. It is a handy way to cure redness and rashes from sun burnt skin. To lighten

blemishes: Aloe vera has anti-bacterial, anti- inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties.

These, along with the high moisture content, make it effective in reducing scars and blemishes.

(Richa Ranjan, 2017, retrieved from: https://m.femina.in/beauty/skin/how-to-use-aloe-vera-gel-

for-awesome-skin-and-hair-33274.amp)

Active components with its properties: Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active

constituents. It has enzyme (bradykinase) that helps to reduce excessive inflammation. Vitamins:

It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin

B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals. Sugars: a glycoprotein with

antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl

chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel. Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones,

which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as

analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals. Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound

healing and have anti-inflammatory action. Others: It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino

acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-

inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical

preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are

the soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.

Moisturizing and anti-aging effect: Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin.

Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more

elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by
sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids also soften hardened skin cells

and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in

treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved

the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema. It also has anti-

acne effect. (Amar Surjushe etc., 2008, retrieved from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/)

Glycerin, or glycerol, can fight the effects of skin diseases such as psoriasis. Drs. Xiangjian

Zheng and Wendy Bollinger Bollag explain in the December 2003 issue of the Journal of

Investigative Dermatology that glycerin, when applied to the skin, signals the cells to mature in

normal fashion. Psoriasis is a skin disease in which the skin cells shed too quickly, before they are

properly mature, causing thickened, scaly skin. The application of glycerin can interrupt this

abnormal process, and allows the cells to reach full maturation before shedding. The compound

can also help wounds heal more quickly in some cases. Glycerin is what is called a humectant,

meaning that it attracts water. When glycerin or glycerol is applied to the skin, it seals in moisture

that might otherwise escape. According to Dermaxime, a manufacturer of anti-aging skin-care

products, glycerin helps maintain the skin's water balance on an intercellular level. In easier-to-

understand language, glycerin in lotions or other skin care products can help prevent or combat

dry skin. In addition to keeping the moisture level of the skin on track, the cosmetic effect of

glycerin on skin is that the skin looks healthier and more attractive with the use of glycerin. The

improved appearance of skin is due in part to the fact that the skin is hydrated and does not have

the characteristic scaly look of dry skin. The fact that glycerin can have a therapeutic effect on

wounds and other skin diseases also contributes to skin looking healthier and smoother. Glycerin
is an emollient, making skin not only moist, but soft and supple to the touch. (Erica Roth, 2017,

retrieved from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/78934-effects-glycerin-skin/)

When we express concern about the presence of alcohol in skincare or makeup products,

we’re referring to a drying type of alcohol that you’ll most often see listed on an ingredient label

as SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or, less often, isopropyl alcohol. These types of volatile alcohols

give products a quick-drying finish, immediately degrease skin, and feel weightless on skin, so it’s

easy to see their appeal, especially for those with oily skin. When you see these names of alcohol

listed among the first six ingredients on an ingredient label, without question they will aggravate

and be cruel to skin. No way around that, it’s simply bad for all skin types. Consequences include

dryness, erosion of the surface of skin (that’s really bad for skin), and a strain on how skin

replenishes, renews, and rejuvenates itself. Alcohol just weakens everything about skin. (Paula

Begoun, No Date, retrieved from: https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-

advice/basic-skin-care-tips/alcohol-in-skin-care-the-facts.html)

Both alcohols, ethyl and isopropyl, can kill several bacteria in 10 seconds or fewer in

the lab, including Staph aureus, Strep pyogenes, E. coli, Salmonella typhosa, and Pseudomonas

species, some of the bad actors in infections. For M. tuberculosis, it may take as long as five

minutes of contact. Many, but not all, viruses are goners, too, like HIV, hepatitis B, herpes,

influenza, etc. Even some systemic bad fungal infections are susceptible, but again not all. (Dr.

Frank Bures, 2012 retrieved from: https://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/features/dr-

frank-bures-simple-rubbing-alcohol-reason-to-be-thankful/article_7bc21024-3029-11e2-b509-

001a4bcf887a.html)