Upgrading Community Wisdom Products through Formulation Development and Innovative Packaging: A Case Study of White Clay Face Masks, Lopburi Province

Abstract

      This research aims to upgrade community wisdom products through production innovation by studying white clay facial mask cream from Lopburi Province, which integrates local resources with modern technology to create products with distinctive identity and competitive potential in both domestic and international markets. The study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR), comprising participant observation, in-depth interviews, and discussions with one prototype entrepreneur and 17 target consumers, along with collaborative data analysis with three experts, each with at least five years of experience in cosmetic chemistry, product design, and marketing respectively.
      The findings revealed that developing white clay facial mask cream requires emphasis on four key areas: (1) user-centered design to improve texture, fragrance, and ease of use in accordance with modern consumer preferences; (2) value enhancement through the incorporation of key herbal extracts, namely mangosteen peel and thanaka, which possess antibacterial properties, reduce acne and skin inflammation, nourish the skin, diminish melasma, freckles, and dark spots, and naturally brighten the complexion, with the developed product maintaining a pH of 5.5-6.5 suitable for facial skin; (3) packaging design that reflects the identity of Lopburi white clay while incorporating modern aesthetics and comprehensive product information to build consumer confidence and reinforce cultural value; and (4) product testing with target groups through an iterative process of formula and packaging refinement until achieving a product that meets both quality standards and practical usability requirements. The results indicate that qualitative research emphasizing community participation and consumer feedback constitutes a critical factor in sustainably upgrading community products.
 
Article history: Received 6 November 2025        
                            Revised 20 May 2026
                            Accepted 25 May 2026    
                            SIMILARITY INDEX = 3.17 %