Physiochemical and sensory assessment of lip salve formulation utilizing red microbial colourant from Talaromyces assiutensis, CPEF04 and supercritical carbon dioxide extracted hemp seed oil

Colors have been used since ancient times to enhance the aesthetics of various commodities. Synthetic colorants, extensively employed in cosmetic, food and textile industries, are known to be recalcitrant, toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. Their effluents in water bodies decrease sunlight penetration, photosynthesis and plant proliferation. Thus, in the search of sustainable and natural pigment sources, the previously isolated and characterized endophytic fungus Talaromyces assiutensis CPEF04 from the Western Ghats, India, was explored for enhanced extracellular bioactive pigment production. The pigment was combined with supercritical carbon dioxide-extracted hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil to develop a tinted lip salve, assessing its commercial viability. The formulated lip salve’s performance and stability were tested through pH, hardness and color at various temperatures, leading to an optimal red hue with enhanced softening effect. The selected tints remained stable for six months under diverse temperatures with a sun protective factor of 34 ± 1.3. The sensory assessment indicated significant consumer preference based on visual and olfactory appeal, with scope of improvement in the taste profile. Bioprospecting medicinal plants for bioactive pigment-producing endophytes has the potential to foster an eco-friendly lifestyle while creating a sustainable shift from a linear fossil-based economy to circular bioeconomy.