Formulation and Evaluation of Moisturizer Containing Herbal Extracts for the Management of Dry Skin

Abstract:

Background
Formulating a moisturizer using all natural raw materials is a formidable task.
The Objective
present paper focuses on the formulation of completely herbal moisturizers, their evaluation and comparison with commercial moisturizer.
Methods
Three of the herbal moisturizers [M1–M3] formulated by using in varied concentrations [0.139–0.9%w/w] of herbal extracts, juice and gel. Further all of the prepared formulation and selected commercial moisturizer [M4] evaluated for its physicochemical and safety parameters by applying on the forearm of 20 volunteers.
Results
The physicochemical parameters of formulations i.e., pH, acid value, saponification value, viscosity, spreadability, layer thickness, microbial count and skin sensitivity were found to be in the range of 5.19±0.3–6.80±0.5, 6.80±0.5–9.2±1.3, 16.10±1.0–23.00±1.4, 5950±10–6600±15cps, 65±2.0–98±1.5%, 28.40±1.5–30.00±1.5m,31 ±4–48±3 colony forming units. Formulation M1 and M4 shown an increase in percentage of skin hydration, firmness and viscoelasticity after the 3 weeks study period. Comparison study of evaluated parameters justified that formulated herbal moisturizer M1 [p<0.01] possess almost same performance characteristics when compare to M4.
Conclusion
Herbal ingredients are not only efficacious to treat skin dryness as compare to synthetic one but also capable to substitute synthetic base to some extent. It is up to the cosmetologist to motivate and encourage the development and use of truly herbal cosmetics.