A Novel Approach to Herbal Skincare: Preparation and Evaluation of Daucus carota-Based Vanishing Cream

Background: The increasing demand for natural cosmetic products has driven research into plant-based alternatives to synthetic formulations. Vanishing creams are oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions widely used for their non-greasy texture and skin-smoothing properties. Synthetic creams, though effective, often lead to undesirable skin reactions. In this study, an herbal vanishing cream was formulated using an ethanolic extract of Daucus carota (carrot), a plant known for its rich content of β-carotene, vitamins A, K, B6, and antioxidants. Objective: To design, develop, and evaluate a natural vanishing cream incorporating the ethanolic taproot extract of Daucus carota with moisturizing, anti-aging, and non-irritant properties. Methods: Fresh carrots were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as a solvent. The extract was then screened for phytochemicals, revealing the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, proteins, and phenolic compounds. The vanishing cream was prepared via melt emulsification using standard cosmetic excipients. The formulation was evaluated for pH, Spreadability, viscosity, homogeneity, emulsion type, extrudability, and skin irritancy. Results: The cream exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics including pH (6.7–6.98), Spreadability (11.30–13.33 g·cm/sec), and viscosity (~5250 cps). No signs of erythema, oedema, or skin irritation were observed in a 72-hour human patch test. The cream remained stable with no phase separation or texture alteration at room temperature. Phytochemical constituents present in Daucus carota contributed to its antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and moisturizing effects. Conclusion: The formulated herbal vanishing cream showed excellent stability, cosmetic appeal, and skin compatibility. Rich in natural bioactives, it offers a safe and effective alternative to synthetic creams. Further studies are warranted to explore its long-term efficacy and consumer acceptability.