AN INVESTIGATORY PROJECT OF KAPENG BARAKO (COFFEA LIBERICA) AS A NATURAL LIP SCRUB

Abstract

Coffea liberica, locally known as Kapeng Barako, is a prominent coffee variety in the Philippines, particularly cultivated in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite. Celebrated for its strong flavor and distinctive aroma, it has become deeply embedded in Filipino culture and tradition. While primarily consumed as a beverage, Kapeng Barako possesses natural properties that may be beneficial for cosmetic use. This study aims to explore the potential of Kapeng Barako as a primary ingredient in a natural lip scrub, emphasizing its exfoliating qualities, moisturizing benefits, and overall safety for application on sensitive areas such as the lips. By investigating its viability as a skincare product, the study seeks to promote a sustainable, culturally rooted alternative that aligns with the increasing consumer demand for natural and eco-conscious personal care solutions. This study adopted a quantitative-experimental research design and employed a purposive sampling method to select participants who met specific criteria relevant to the investigation. To evaluate the acceptability of the proposed Kapeng Barako-based lip scrub, a structured survey questionnaire was utilized as the primary data-gathering instrument. The assessment focused on key aspects, including the formulation and procedure, hydrating and moisturizing effects, lip exfoliation properties, affordability, and overall product presentation. Statistical tools such as frequency and percentage, rating scale, weighted mean, and t-test were applied to analyze the data and identify significant differences in the evaluations made by the two distinct groups of respondents. The findings of the study reveal that the proposed Kapeng Barako lip scrub was rated as "Acceptable" across all evaluated criteria, namely: ingredients and procedure, hydrating and moisturizing effects, lip exfoliation, affordability, and presentation. The Chemists gave an overall weighted mean of 2.98 with a variance of 0.088, while the Dermatologists reported a weighted mean of 3.47 with a variance of 0.324. A t-computed value of 1.700 was obtained, with 326 degrees of freedom, and compared against the t-critical value of 1.987 at a 0.05 level of significance. Since the t-computed value did not exceed the t-critical value, the difference between the evaluations of the two groups is not statistically significant. Thus, it can be concluded that both groups accept the product, affirming its potential suitability for cosmetic application. To support the successful development of the proposed Kapeng Barako lip scrub, the researchers recommend collaborating with professionals and experts in cosmetic product formulation and design. Feedback from the respondents highlighted key areas for improvement: enhancing the product’s moisturizing effect through the incorporation of glycerin, refining the texture by grinding the coffee grounds into finer particles to ensure gentler exfoliation, and improving the packaging design to make the product more visually appealing and marketable to consumers. These recommendations are intended to optimize both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the product, thereby increasing its overall acceptability and commercial potential.