Abstract:
The growing interest in natural alternatives within the cosmetics and food industries
is driving the search for effective and sustainable plant-based dyes. An
ethnobotanical survey conducted in Constantine revealed the traditional use of plants
for dyeing purposes, highlighting the need to promote local resources. In this context,
red beetroot, rich in betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins) with antioxidant and
bioactive properties, was studied. The pigments were extracted through maceration,
then optimized using a Box-Behnken design and characterized by infrared
spectroscopy. The extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. Despite these
limitations, betalains hold strong potential as natural dye for the formulation of
cosmetic products such as lipstick, blush, and nail polish.