Development Of Polyherbal Face Pack For Anti-Acne And Skin Brightening Effects

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and serves as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants, microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation, and physical damage. It also performs several important physiological functions such as thermoregulation, sensory perception, prevention of water loss, immune defense, and vitamin D synthesis. Proper maintenance of skin health is therefore essential for both physiological balance and cosmetic appearance.

Continuous exposure of facial skin to dust, sweat, excess sebum, pollutants, and cosmetic residues may lead to various skin problems such as acne, dullness, blackheads, whiteheads, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. Accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface interferes with normal skin renewal and reduces skin brightness. Therefore, regular cleansing and exfoliation are important for maintaining healthy and radiant skin.

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. It improves skin texture, unclogs pores, enhances skin smoothness, and promotes regeneration of new skin cells. Face scrubs are commonly used exfoliating cosmetic preparations that provide both cleansing and mechanical exfoliation through gentle rubbing action. However, many synthetic face scrubs available in the market contain harsh chemicals and artificial exfoliating particles that may cause skin irritation, dryness, and environmental pollution.

Due to the limitations associated with synthetic cosmetic products, there has been increasing interest in herbal cosmetic formulations prepared using natural ingredients. Herbal cosmetics are considered safer, biodegradable, eco-friendly, and more compatible with the skin. Natural ingredients such as papaya peel powder, guava leaf powder, rice flour, turmeric, and multani mitti possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and exfoliating properties beneficial for skin care. Papaya peel contains papain enzyme which provides enzymatic exfoliation, while rice flour acts as a mild abrasive agent for removal of dead skin cells. Guava leaf powder and turmeric exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities that help in maintaining healthy skin and reducing acne.

Therefore, the present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a herbal face scrub using natural exfoliating agents. The developed formulation was evaluated for various physicochemical and performance parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, grittiness, washability, skin irritation, and stability in order to ensure safety, effectiveness, and cosmetic acceptability.

2. MATERIALS AND METHOD

2.1 MATERIALS

The herbal ingredients used for the preparation of the polyherbal face pack were procured from a local herbal supplier and were of analytical grade. All ingredients were properly dried and powdered before use.

Table: 1 list of materials

2.2 EQUIPMENT

Various laboratory instruments and equipment were used for the preparation and evaluation of the polyherbal face pack formulation.

Table : 2 list of equpments

2.3 PRE-FORMULATION STUDIES

Pre-formulation studies were carried out to evaluate the physicochemical properties of selected herbal powders before formulation development.

2.3.1 Organoleptic Evaluation

Procedure:
Step 1: About 500 mg of each herbal powder was taken on a watch glass.
Step 2: Color, odor, texture, and appearance were observed visually and by touch.

Parameers Observed:
•Color
•Odor
•Texture
•Appearance

2.3.2 Particle Size Determination (Sieve Analysis)

Procedure:
Step 1: 10 g of powder was weighed accurately.
Step 2: The powder was passed through sieve set containing 20, 40, and 60 mesh sieves.
Step 3: Sieving was carried out for 10 minutes using sieve shaker.
Step 4: Powder retained on each sieve was collected and weighed.

Purpose:
To obtain uniform particle size for smooth application.

2.3.3 Bulk Density

Procedure:
Step 1: 5 g powder was transferred into measuring cylinder.
Step 2: Bulk volume occupied by powder was noted.

Formula:

2.3.4 Tapped Density

Procedure:
Step 1: The measuring cylinder containing powder was tapped 100 times.
Step 2: Final tapped volume was recorded.

Formula:

2.3.5 Angle of Repose

Procedure:
Step 1: 10 g powder was allowed to flow through a funnel.
Step 2: Height and radius of powder heap were measured.

Formula:

2.3.6 Carr’s Index

Definition:
Carr’s index indicates compressibility and flow property of powder.

Formula:

2.3.7 Hausner Ratio

Definition:
Hausner ratio is used to determine flowability of powder.

Formula:

2.3.8 Moisture Content Determination

Procedure:
Step 1: 2 g powder was weighed and placed in petri dish.
Step 2: The sample was dried at 105°C for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Final weight was noted after drying.

Purpose:
To determine moisture content and stability of powder.

2.3.9 pH Determination

Procedure:
Step 1: 1 g powder was mixed with 10 mL distilled water.
Step 2: The mixture was stirred properly.
Step 3: pH was measured using digital pH meter.

Ideal Range:
Skin compatible pH range: 5–7

2.3.10 Compatibility Study

Procedure:
Step 1: Equal quantities of herbal powders were mixed.
Step 2: The mixture was stored for 24 hours at room temperature.
Step 3: The mixture was observed for color change, odor change, and lump formation.

Purpose:
To check compatibility between ingredients.

2.3.11 Phytochemical Analysis

Procedure:
Step 1: Herbal powder extracts were prepared using water or ethanol.
Step 2: The extracts were filtered.
Step 3: Different phytochemical tests were performed for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and glycosides.
Step 4: Observations were recorded based on color change or precipitate formation.

2.4 FORMULATION OF POLYHERBAL FACE PACK

2.4.1 Formulation Table

Table No. 3: Composition of Polyherbal Face Pack Batches

2.4.2 METHOD OF PREPARATION

The polyherbal face pack formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared by dry mixing method using accurately weighed quantities of herbal powders.

Procedure:

Step 1: Weighing of Ingredients

All herbal ingredients were accurately weighed separately according to formulation composition using digital weighing balance.

Step 2: Sieving of Ingredients

All ingredients were passed through sieve no. 60 to obtain uniform particle size and remove lumps or impurities.

Step 3: Collection of Sieved Powders

The sieved powders were collected separately in clean and dry containers.

Step 4: Mixing by Geometric Dilution Method

The powders were mixed using geometric dilution method by gradual addition of ingredients with continuous mixing in mortar and pestle.

Step 5: Blending

The complete mixture was blended for 15–20 minutes to obtain uniform and homogeneous powder mixture.

Step 6: Evaluation of Physical Appearance

The prepared formulations were visually observed for color, texture, homogeneity, and absence of lumps.

Step 7: Packaging

The formulations were transferred into clean, dry, airtight, and labeled containers.

Step 8: Storage

The prepared formulations were stored at room temperature in a dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Step 9: Further Evaluation

All formulation batches (F1, F2, and F3) were subjected to further physicochemical evaluation studies.

2.5 EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL FACE PACK

The prepared formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were evaluated for various physicochemical and performance parameters.

2.5.1 Organoleptic Evaluation

Procedure:

Step 1: A small quantity of formulation was taken on a clean surface.
Step 2: Color and appearance were observed visually.
Step 3: Odor was determined by smelling the sample.
Step 4: Texture was evaluated by rubbing powder between fingers.

Parameters:

• Color
• Odor
• Texture
•Appearance

2.5.2 pH Determination

Procedure:

Step 1: 1 g formulation was mixed with 10 mL distilled water.
Step 2: The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes.
Step 3: pH was measured using digital pH meter.

2.5.3 Spreadability

Procedure:

Step 1: The formulation was mixed with water to prepare paste.
Step 2: The paste was placed between two glass slides.
Step 3: Weight was placed on upper slide.
Step 4: Time required for movement of slide was recorded.

Formula:

2.5.4 Washability

Procedure:

Step 1: The formulation paste was applied on skin surface.
Step 2: After drying, it was washed with water.
Step 3: Ease of washing was observed.

2.5.5 Skin Irritation Test

Procedure:

Step 1: Small quantity of formulation was applied on forearm.
Step 2: The formulation was kept for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Skin was observed for redness, itching, or irritation.

2.5.6 Drying Time

Procedure:

Step 1: The formulation was mixed with water to form smooth paste.
Step 2: The paste was applied as thin layer on skin.
Step 3: Time required for complete drying was recorded using stopwatch.

2.5.7 Flow Properties

(a) Angle of Repose

Procedure:

Step 1: About 10 g powder was allowed to flow through funnel.
Step 2: Height and radius of heap were measured.

Formula:

(b) Carr’s Index

Procedure:

Step 1: Bulk density and tapped density values were recorded.
Step 2: Carr’s index was calculated using standard formula.

Formula:

(c) Hausner Ratio

Procedure:

Step 1: Bulk density and tapped density values were used.
Step 2: Hausner ratio was calculated.

Formula:

 2.5.8 Stability Study

Procedure:

Step 1: Formulations were packed in airtight containers.
Step 2: Samples were stored at room temperature and accelerated conditions.
Step 3: Samples were evaluated at regular intervals.
Step 4: Color, odor, texture, appearance, and pH were observed and recorded.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. RESULTS OF PRE-FORMULATION STUDIES

3.1.1. Organoleptic Evaluation

Table 4: Organoleptic Evaluation of Herbal Ingredients

3.1.2. Particle Size Analysis

Table 5: Particle Size Analysis of Herbal Powder

Figure 1: Particle size distribution of herbal powder formulation based on sieve analysis

 Majority of powder passed through 60 mesh sieve, indicating uniform particle size.

3.1.3. Bulk Density

Table 6: Bulk Density of Powder Blend

3.1.4. Tapped Density

Table 7: Tapped Density of Powder Blend

Figure 2: Comparative Graph of Bulk Density and Tapped Density of Polyherbal Face Pack Powder

3.1.5. Angle of Repose

Table 8 : Angle of Repose of Powder Blend

Interpretation: Powder shows good flow property.

3.1.6. Carr’s Index

Table 9: Carr’s Index of Powder Blend

Interpretation: Indicates good flowability.

3.1.7. Hausner Ratio

Table 10 : Hausner Ratio of Powder Blend

Interpretation: Indicates good powder flow property.

3.1.8. Moisture Content

Table 11: Moisture Content of Powder Blend

Interpretation: Moisture content within acceptable limit.

3.1.9. pH Determination

Table 12: pH Determination of Formulation

Interpretation: Suitable for skin application.

3.1.10. Compatibility Study

Table 13: Compatibility Study of Herbal Ingredients

Conclusion: No incompatibility observed between herbal ingredients.

3.1.11. Phytochemical Analysis

Table 14: Phytochemical Analysis of Herbal Ingredients

(+) → Present   (–) → Absent

3.2 RESULTS OF EVALUATION PARAMETERS

3.2.1 Organoleptic Properties of Formulation

Table 15: Organoleptic Evaluation of Face Pack

All formulations showed acceptable organoleptic properties. F2 showed better uniformity and pleasant odor compared to F1 and F3.

3.2.2 pH of Formulation

Table 16 : pH of Face Pack

Figure 3: pH evaluation of herbal face pack formulations

All formulations were within the skin-compatible range (5–7). F2 showed ideal pH, making it most suitable for topical application.

3.2.3 Spreadability

Table 17 : Spreadability

Figure 4 : Spreadability evaluation of herbal face pack formulations

F2 showed maximum spreadability indicating ease of application and better consistency.

3.2.4 Washability

Table 18 : Washability

F1 and F2 were easily washable, whereas F3 showed slightly difficult removal due to higher moisture content.

3.2.5 Skin Irritation Test

Table 19 : Irritation Study

All formulations were found to be non-irritant and safe for skin application.

3.2.6 Drying Time

Table 20 : Drying Time

Figure 4: Drying time evaluation of herbal face pack formulations

F1 showed faster drying due to higher clay content, while F3 took longer due to higher moisturizing agents.

3.2.7 Stability Study

Table 21: Stability Study