# Research on Waterless Cosmetics in the Form of Scrub Bars Based on Natural Exfoliants
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Consumer Evaluation of Sensory Appeal  
Sensory evaluation is an effective method for improving cosmetic products and conducting quality control checks in the cosmetics industry. This approach enables quick and cost-effective measurements of cosmetic performance (useful for market research and consumer tests), gaining insights into optimizing various product characteristics, selecting the best product from a larger group, examining the shelf-life of cosmetics, and introducing new ingredients into formulations [24; 40; 41]. In recent years, there has been a trend toward developing what are known as \"personalized cosmetics\", i.e., products specifically designed to meet unique consumer needs. Formulation design is a multifaceted process in which the physicochemical and functional qualities of products must be fine-tuned to align not only with objective criteria but also with the subjective experiences and sensory perceptions of potential buyers [42; 43; 44]. In the present study, sensory evaluation was conducted based on the methodology outlined in Section 2.3.3, following the approach employed for the sensory evaluation of body scrubs described in the literature [24; 25; 26]. Individual sensory parameters were adjusted or added to suit the unique form of the cosmetic product under analysis (scrub bar). Table 2 shows the sensory profiles and scores (partial and total) for the scrub bars containing various exfoliants, including, consecutively, sugar, microcrystalline cellulose, ground coffee beans, corn granules, and sodium chloride. Based on the results of consumer sensory appeal evaluation and the final scores, the scrub bars can be ranked from those that best meet expectations to those that are least attractive to consumers. The F_CA scrub bars, formulated with coffee as an exfoliant, received the highest rating, scoring 102 points out of 130. A score only two points lower (100/130) was recorded for the formulations containing corn granules (F_ZMC). A very good score (99/130 points) was also obtained for the products with microcrystalline cellulose (F_MC). The final two scrub bar prototypes, containing sugar (F_S) and sodium chloride (F_SC) as exfoliating microparticles, achieved scores of 95 and 89 points out of a possible 130, respectively, in consumer evaluation. Among individual sensory parameters and partial scores, consumers rated the appearance of the product as the best characteristic (in-hand evaluation), with scores within the range of 25-29/35 points. Consumers also gave positive feedback on the use of the scrub bars after rubbing them on the skin (5 and 10 circles) and evaluating skin condition post-use. The testers observed visible epidermal exfoliation (scrubbing effect) when using the bar containing microcrystalline cellulose as an exfoliant. In this case, the texture of the product and its moisturizing effect on the skin were also evaluated positively. When it comes to esthetic qualities, including color and scent, the scrub containing _Coffea arabica seed powder_ (F_CA) as an exfoliant received the top mark. The results of the consumer evaluation of sensory qualities can be correlated with the outcomes of the texture tests. The F_CA scrub bar, containing _Coffea arabica seed powder_ in its formulation, which was characterized by the highest hardness (885.4 g) and adhesive force (148.7 g), received top scores in the evaluation of texture but showed weaker exfoliating performance. According to consumer feedback, the scrub bar containing microcrystalline cellulose (F_MC), which had the lowest hardness (522.5 g) and relatively low adhesive force (127.1 g), provided the best moisturizing effect and very good exfoliating performance. In addition, it received top marks for texture. With respect to the sodium chloride-containing scrub bar, which was characterized by high hardness, the testers evaluated its exfoliating effect as the weakest. However, they gave it good marks for texture, even though the exfoliant particles had sharply defined edges.